Director James Cameron’s fascination with the Titanic vessel culminated in the creation of one of the most financially successful movies in history. Upon the conclusion of filming, Cameron commemorated his tireless efforts by retaining a small memento from the set as a token of his dedication.
Doubts about the potential triumph of Titanic were widespread, with numerous individuals harboring skepticism and preparing for the film’s failure. Even James Cameron, the filmmaker himself, experienced a wavering of his own confidence in the movie’s success as its completion drew near.
Why Was James Cameron Insecure While Filming Titanic
During the final half-year of completing the film, James Cameron recounted a sentiment. He admitted to anticipating the end of his career, a financial failure, and a significant blow to 20th Century Fox’s finances. This apprehension, as recalled in Total Film, indicated a prevailing sense of unforgiving consequences throughout Cameron’s life.
In an interview with Total Film, James Cameron shared a reflection on the final six months of completing the movie. He expressed the belief that his career was on the line, and he was convinced that financial success was unlikely. Cameron acknowledged that the production had significantly impacted 20th Century Fox’s finances and harbored the feeling that he would carry the weight of this decision unforgiven throughout his life.
“When I was in the last six months of finishing the film, I knew my career was over, I knew we weren’t going to make a dime, I knew that we had put a gigantic dent in 20th Century Fox’s treasury, and that I would never be forgiven for the rest of my life.”
The film’s purported backstage challenges might have contributed to Cameron’s wavering confidence in the project. As reported by the Washington Post, the movie encountered numerous delays before finally securing a release date. Furthermore, unsettling claims arose, suggesting deliberate food poisoning incidents among the cast and crew during production. These rumors subsequently escalated into allegations of compromised safety within the work environment.
James Cameron Thought Titanic Was Just Another Film
Cameron’s repertoire extended beyond Titanic with other blockbusters like the Terminator series, which had also garnered substantial success. However, the unparalleled triumph and pervasive impact of Titanic stood out remarkably. Unlike his previous works, Cameron found Titanic’s success and cultural resonance to be uniquely remarkable, a sensation he hadn’t anticipated.
“I think I thought it was going to be just like any other film that I’d made. Like Aliens or Terminator or True Lies, I thought it would have its season in my life, and then it would fade away and wind up on a shelf. But, Titanic tends not to do that,” Cameron once told Collider.
Cameron held the belief that Titanic’s strong association with the actual 1912 disaster contributed significantly to its enduring legacy, setting it apart from earlier movies. The ongoing revelations and discoveries about the historical event added a constant stream of renewed intrigue, further sustaining the film’s long-standing appeal.
Source: Gamesradar
