The Titanic's Near-Disaster: A Producer's Perspective
The iconic movie almost sank before it even began filming.
Jon Landau, producer of the blockbuster film 'Titanic', reveals the incredible challenges behind bringing the epic to life. In his book, 'The Bigger Picture', Landau takes readers on a journey through the film's production, showcasing how close it came to never making it to the big screen.
The ship itself was a central character, and recreating it accurately was crucial. Landau and his team scoured historical images, consulted with director Jim Cameron, and conducted extensive research. But the real task was constructing the ship and its environment. They needed a massive, controlled setting to film the iconic sinking scenes.
And this is where the adventure begins...
Landau's team embarked on a global quest to find the perfect location. They explored an old quarry in Poland, where they encountered a secretive Christmas party, a remnant of the Soviet era. But the ideal spot was found in an unexpected place: Rosarito, Mexico. A resort town with vacant acres, it seemed an unlikely choice to replicate the icy North Atlantic. Yet, with imagination, Landau envisioned the ship and the frozen sea.
He sketched every detail, from the Southampton dock to the gaming house. But convincing Cameron wasn't easy. In a classic catch-22, the studio needed Cameron's approval for the location, but Cameron wanted to see it first. With a life-size model of the Titanic ready, Landau managed to bring Cameron to Mexico, where he eventually gave his blessing.
But here's where it gets controversial...
The production faced immense scrutiny and skepticism. Rumors spread that the budget had spiraled out of control, with estimates reaching $200 million or more. The film was compared to notorious flops, and the studio buzz was negative. Executives doubted the film's length, special effects, and acting. Landau and Cameron even had a tense encounter with Rupert Murdoch during the darkest days of post-production.
The advance screening added to the tension. Audiences were told they'd be seeing another film, and the first minutes of 'Titanic' were met with silence. But as the story unfolded, the mood shifted, and viewers were captivated. The screening revealed the power of the film, but the journey to its success was filled with doubts and challenges.
Landau's book offers an intimate look at the making of a cinematic legend, highlighting the fine line between disaster and triumph in the world of filmmaking. It begs the question: How many potential masterpieces have been lost to production hurdles, and what other stories are waiting to be told?
