‘Titanic’ 20 Years On

Spitting scene

Trust Jack and Rose to transform a seemingly distasteful action like spitting into a flirtatious sport. The scene in which Jack teaches the aristocratic Rose to aim high while spitting is pure comic gold. What I love was also the look of consternation in the prudish ladies who caught them indulging in a bizarre act.

Fancy Dinner scene

This perfect Cinderfella moment for Jack is one of my many favorites because of how everyone else seated at the dining table is uncomfortably suspicious of who Jack really is. And Jack chooses this ‘apt’ moment to be awkwardly talkative enough to get Rose’s rich beau shaking in his boots.

The Last Song scene

Having grown up in a family that regular sang Christian hymns at home, that scene where the string ensemble plays the song Nearer, My God, to Thee as the ship sank, was heartwrenching, particularly so if you knew the words of the song. The hymn grew in popularity at the church too, and it’s the first and only tune I learned to play on the keyboard.

You’re So Stupid scene

Hard to pick a favourite Titanic scene because they’re all so ridiculous (I say this affectionately). One bit from Jack I’ve always loved is the ‘You’re so stupid, Rose’ exchange — here’s the transcript: “Rose! You’re so stupid. Why did you do that, huh? You’re so stupid, Rose. Why did you do that? WHY?” Acting gold.

The Party scene

A moment that I enjoy on every watch of the Titanic is the party scene, in which Jack introduces Rose to the lower decks of the ship, where a wild party is raging on. Set to Gaelic Storm’s An Irish Party in Third Class, the scene is a celebration of carefree abandon and taking pleasure in the smaller things in life.

The Side by Side scene

At the end of the movie, when an old couple decide to go down with the ship, they lay down in bed side by side, as they must have done many times before, and hold hands waiting for their fate. While death is the world’s greatest fear, dying alone comes close behind. Peace through acceptance, resignation and a companion’s emotional strength to tide one over made this a sad, but poignant moment.