The latest re-release of James Cameron’s iconic film, Titanic, on its 25th anniversary has once again sparked discussions about the importance of its narrative frame. While the “Old Rose” memes have become a popular internet sensation, there is more to her character than meets the eye. In this article, we delve deeper into the significance of Old Rose’s point of view and how it enhances the overall movie experience.
An Immersive Story Told in Real Time
By choosing to frame the story in two timelines, with Old Rose narrating her past as a 101-year-old woman and the primary narrative set in 1912, Cameron creates a unique storytelling device that immediately captures the audience’s attention. The initial scenes set in 1996, where a treasure hunter searches for a valuable diamond, introduces us to the world of Titanic from a contemporary perspective.
This approach allows viewers to connect with the story on a personal level, as we witness the unfolding events through the eyes of an elderly survivor. It’s not just a tragedy we anticipate; it becomes a tale of life, love, and the human spirit. We become emotionally invested in Old Rose’s journey, making the film more immersive and relatable.
Assurance of Rose’s Survival
One crucial aspect that Old Rose’s presence provides is the knowledge of her survival. Knowing that she emerges unharmed from the tragedy relieves the audience of constant worry and enables us to enjoy the entire movie experience. We are able to invest in Rose’s struggles to escape her oppressive circumstances, empathize with her desire to break free, and appreciate the budding romance between her and Jack Dawson without the overshadowing fear of her impending doom.
This sense of assurance allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the story, savoring every moment leading up to the fateful sinking of the ship. We witness Rose’s transformation and growth, from a constrained young woman to a liberated individual unafraid to seize the opportunities life presents.
A Puzzle to Solve
One intriguing aspect of Old Rose’s narrative is the inclusion of a mystery element, adding another layer of intrigue to the film. The search for the Heart of the Ocean diamond and its connection to Rose’s past creates a puzzle for the audience to unravel. We are left wondering what happened to the diamond after the ship sank. Did it go down with the Titanic? Or did it survive and find its way to New York?
While this question may not be central to the main storyline, it contributes to the richness of the plot, offering additional threads for viewers to explore. Some may even find themselves instinctively tracking the diamond’s journey throughout the film. The resolution of this puzzle provides a satisfying conclusion and reinforces the film’s underlying message.
A Flawed Narrator
One thought-provoking aspect of Old Rose’s perspective is the question of her reliability as a narrator. Given her advanced age and the passage of time, there is the possibility of her memory being affected, leading to potential inaccuracies in her recollection of events. This notion adds an intriguing layer of uncertainty to the story.
While the film is largely accurate in its portrayal of the historical setting, the love story between Rose and Jack is a work of fiction. This leads to speculation about the authenticity of Old Rose’s perspective. Some theorists have even suggested that Jack’s intentions may not have been as genuine as they appeared, positing that he was a well-intentioned thief seeking personal gain. While this interpretation may not align with Cameron’s original intent, it highlights the potential for varying interpretations based on Old Rose’s reliability as a narrator.
Regardless of the ambiguity surrounding Old Rose’s account, the film benefits from her perspective. It allows for the inclusion of captivating and cinematic moments that may not have occurred exactly as portrayed, but offer a touch of magic to the storytelling.
Conclusion
The choice to tell the story of Titanic from Old Rose’s point of view is not merely a narrative device but a crucial element that enhances the overall film experience. Through her eyes, we are transported into a tale of love, tragedy, and resilience. Old Rose’s presence ensures an emotional connection with the audience, providing reassurance of her survival, presenting a puzzle to solve, and adding a layer of complexity with her potential unreliability as a narrator.
