James Cameron’s 1997 film Titanic is regarded as one of the greatest movies in cinematic history. It was an intriguing love story with an intense account of the terrible RMS Titanic tragedy.
Director James Cameron is known for being strict on the set and always wants to extract the best from his cast. One actor from the movie who played a crucial role, shared some significant moments from the set while they were filming.
Bernard Hill Recalls One Specific Scene from Titanic
The entire plot of the James Cameron helmed Titanic centers on the love story of Jack and Rose, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet respectively. However, other characters were also shown with significance. One such character was Captain Edward Smith, played by Bernard Hill.
Bernard Hill made a lasting image that still continues to reverberate throughout popular culture. In an interview with Metro, Bernard Hill spoke of one particular scene where the ship started to sink.
“Instead of the water building up against the windows outside, the water was coming in because it had been dipped in water for quite a while during the week. and the floorboards had warped.”
“There was a dais to stand on for the guy at the wheel, this big heavy piece of wood… the next thing I know, the water was almost up to our waist and this massive piece of wood just went “oof” and came off its catches and broke its nails. And if that had hit either of us, it would have been disastrous, it would have been a serious injury.”
He continued:
“I was slashing across my throat to say, “We’ve got to cut” and then Josh [McLaglen, assistant director] came in and said, “Don’t ever call cut!”
The actor further lamented how he got too off for trying to save himself,
“I called it early because I was getting worried, especially when that piece of wood came up. I got told off for saving my own life!”
Hill’s portrayal as Captain Smith symbolizes a sense of duty and responsibility, making the audience empathize with his immense burden as the ship’s lead.
Bernard Hill’s Captivating Portrayal of Captain Smith in James Cameron’s Titanic
Titanic is still a cinematic masterpiece that flawlessly balances a compelling love story with a fascinating portrayal of one of the most infamous disasters in history.
As Captain Smith, Hill represented the essential image of a ship’s captain – dignified, experienced, and unwavering in his commitment to duty. At the beginning of the film, Smith is portrayed as a confident and veteran sailor who firmly believes in the Titanic’s theoretically unsinkable nature. However, as the tragedy breaks out, Hill’s acting skillfully represents the captain’s mounting sense of despair and helplessness.
After more than two decades of its release, Titanic still stays in the minds of audiences.
Watch Titanic on Netflix and Paramount+.
Source: Metro UK
