Oddly enough it is only now in 2019 that I got a chance to sit down and watch the 1953 story of the Titanic tragedy, and that is even more so with my interest and fascination with the history and tragedy that appeared that fateful night on its maiden voyage.
Director Jean Negulesco actually managed to tackle the tragedy in a rather respectful manner and told the story that we all are familiar with from a neutral point of view where we got to follow crewmen, the captain and passengers alike. And I liked the fact that there wasn't so much focus on the destruction of the ship during its sinking moments, much unlike the Cameron version - while that still is amazing to watch. But skipping on that made the movie all about the lives and souls aboard the ship, all those that lost their lives, those that valiantly and nobly helped others, and not just making it about pleasing the audience with an abundance of special effects and spectacular means of showing it off. Granted, that would be rather limited back in 1953, but still...
The story is nicely paced, although we all know the outcome of the story, and that leaves very little room for improvisation and adding things to bedazzle the audience. But director Jean Negulesco managed to keep it to the core of things and keep it riveting for the audience.
The fact that the movie is in black and white is not an issue, if anything then it sort of sets an atmosphere and helps transport the audience back to the fateful days of the maiden voyage back in 1912.
The 1953 version of "Titanic" is definitely well worth a watch, and it is a worthy addition in the movie collection of anyone interested in the fate of the majestic White Star Line ship that sank on its maiden voyage. I was genuinely entertained by the movie, despite it being 66 years old now already.
Director Jean Negulesco actually managed to tackle the tragedy in a rather respectful manner and told the story that we all are familiar with from a neutral point of view where we got to follow crewmen, the captain and passengers alike. And I liked the fact that there wasn't so much focus on the destruction of the ship during its sinking moments, much unlike the Cameron version - while that still is amazing to watch. But skipping on that made the movie all about the lives and souls aboard the ship, all those that lost their lives, those that valiantly and nobly helped others, and not just making it about pleasing the audience with an abundance of special effects and spectacular means of showing it off. Granted, that would be rather limited back in 1953, but still...
The story is nicely paced, although we all know the outcome of the story, and that leaves very little room for improvisation and adding things to bedazzle the audience. But director Jean Negulesco managed to keep it to the core of things and keep it riveting for the audience.
The fact that the movie is in black and white is not an issue, if anything then it sort of sets an atmosphere and helps transport the audience back to the fateful days of the maiden voyage back in 1912.
The 1953 version of "Titanic" is definitely well worth a watch, and it is a worthy addition in the movie collection of anyone interested in the fate of the majestic White Star Line ship that sank on its maiden voyage. I was genuinely entertained by the movie, despite it being 66 years old now already.