James Cameron has seldom been more vocal about his appreciation for an artist than when he was completely bowled over by Bernard Hill’s role in Titanic. For a director as esteemed as Cameron, there must be very few things that can still hold that effect on him, however, Titanic still manages to churn out such rare and treasured moments at a steady pace.
![Bernard Hill as Captain Smith in Titanic [Credit Paramount Pictures]](https://fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/06061828/Bernard-Hill-as-Captain-Smith-in-Titianic-Credit-Paramount-Pictures.jpeg)
Despite playing only a minor role in the film, the subtlety of Bernard Hill’s powerhouse performance in the iconic Leonardo DiCaprio film held the capacity to move the director of the $2.26 billion romantic tragedy. As such, it was only right that Cameron expressed his gratitude and privilege after witnessing the understated actor’s process at work.
James Cameron Showers Bernard Hill With Timely Praise
With an undeniable screen presence and a commanding authority over his lines, Bernard Hill truly oozed sophistication and old Hollywood charm in his short-lived yet impactful role in Titanic. However, the late actor, although talented, held something back from Cameron and the director was quick to catch up on it.
![James Cameron behind the scenes while filming Titanic [Credit Paramount Pictures, Photofest]](https://fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/06061851/James-Cameron-behind-the-scenes-while-filming-Titanic-Credit-Paramount-Pictures-Photofest.jpg)
In a clip from the Titanic commentary, Cameron revealed:
“Bernard Hill makes a great Captain Smith. He was an interesting character to work with because I always felt like he wasn’t doing enough. And then I’d watch the film (or the dailies) and I’d realize it was all there – it was in his eyes somehow. I’d keep asking for more takes, and I’d be trying to push him for a littler bigger reaction and later I’d realize he’d made the right decision.”
Although the matter may be startling to the fans of Titanic, the strange encounter between Bernard Hill and the director must rank high on James Cameron’s list of top favorite moments on set. Hill proved his power to reduce his audience to a state of paralysis by bewitching them with his range and mastery over the screen while Titanic does the same with its tragic plot and character arc. James Cameron’s fascination with both, the film and the actor, seems well-founded at its core.
Bernard Hill’s Legacy Lives On Through His Iconic Roles
![Bernard Hill as Théoden, King of Rohan in Lord of the Rings trilogy [Credit New Line Cinema]](https://fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/06061858/Bernard-Hill-as-Theoden-King-of-Rohan-in-Lord-of-the-Rings-trilogy-Credit-New-Line-Cinema.jpg)
Known for his parts in some of the most iconic franchises in Hollywood, Bernard Hill entered the film and entertainment business even from his early days as a British actor inclined more toward playing the formulaic and tested roles in period pieces and eccentric films. From Great Expectations, The Mill on the Floss, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Wolf Hall to Tom Cruise’s Valkyrie (2008), there’s no pie that Bernard Hill hasn’t dipped his fingers into.
With roles spread across films and television shows like Titanic, Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and even True Crime directed by Clint Eastwood, the reservoir of talent that was Bernard Hill continues to impress and outperform every other industry in the business. As the actor tragically breathes his last on 5th May 2024 at the age of 79, his legacy will continue to live on as long as the cinema exists.
Titanic is available for streaming on Disney+
