Lighting

Lighting is a powerful aspect of any film. It enhances the performance by adding a certain tone or mood, which the director is trying to get across to the audience.

Example 1

When the excited passengers are waving goodbye in the opening scene. The director skillfully used the technique of lighting to portray the different time periods. He used a subtle bronze monotone (like the colour in olden day pictures) to show us that this scene was a flashback in time. It was if someone had videoed it back in time, when the boat left the harbour. I think the director used this technique in such a way to show meaning. He wanted the audience to feel the way each passenger did on that specific day. The thrill, excitement, maybe even heartache as they left loved ones behind. I think it also makes the audience wish they were there at the time because it was such an extraordinary event. Although, we wouldn't want to be on the boat.

Example 2

The second example is when the focus is on the shimmery blue water. It is as if there are small spotlights in the waters reflection, which makes it change colour. The ocean colour changes from a light blue, to a deeper blue and then to a black. I believe the director chose to show the deeper meaning behind the water. The light blue shows what ordinary people see when the look at the ocean... just some water. The deeper blue shows us that people know the water is deep but they think nothing more of it. The black represents the unknowing. It portrays to the audience that there are many memories, many secrets, many lives lying in the bottom of that ocean. The director wanted us too understand the full meaning behind that emotion of heartache, which is why he chose this use of lighting.

Script / Dialogue

The script of the play is the written manuscript, and the dialogue is how the characters interpret it. The dialogue is crucial in any movie as it is the storyline. The whole film is based upon the words that come out of the characters mouth. Every phrase, every sentence, every word has been specifically chosen to help create the story. This is what differs film from reality. When we speak, we say what comes to mind. We don't have too worry about creating an atmosphere or engaging in a conversation with someone who doesn't speak the way we do. The dialogue has been chosen by the writer to create a character, rather then a character creating the dialogue. In the extraordinary masterpiece Titanic certain dialogue represents events, which help us (the audience) put together the pieces of the story.

Example 1
Ruth, is the mother of the well brought up young lady, Rose. She speaks a piece of dialogue that i find rather important within the first scene. "So this is the ship they say is unsinkable''. She says this as if shes impressed by the creators of the marvelous vessel, but really, the writers have chosen to say this line as it is ironic, since the ship actually sunk. Everyone on board of the Titanic believed it was unsinkable, this was the reason there wern't enough lifeboats, because it was such an extraordinary ship they believed it couldn't sink, which led to an unaccountable amount of deaths. As Ruth said this line, she was staring at the Titanic, looking at the luxury aspects which would enhance her stay there. It portrayed how oblivious the guests were on board and how many aspects were overlooked, just because of the share size of the Titanic.

Example 2
Rose is the narrator of the storyline. Shes telling her version of her experience on the Titanic, making her a very important part of the film. An important piece of dialogue she says is "I was just wondering if you had found the 'Heart of the Ocean' yet, Mr. Lovett''.  She says this while on the phone to the head of the search party. She contacts him after seeing a report on a finding of his, while searching the sunken Titanic. The picture he found was of her, wearing the 'Blue Diamond' necklace. When Rose sees this report she looks almost frightened as she reminisces of her past. Shes intrigued of their findings and wants too find out more. The call the 'Blue Diamond''necklace 'The heart of the ocean' because this rare and extremely expensive necklace was in the shape of a heart and was believed too be at the bottom of the ocean inside the Titanic. I believe the writer chose to incorporate this line into the movie because it is the start of Rose sharing her story with her granddaughter and the search team.

Character / Performance

A character performance is "a part of role in a musical, dramatic or other entertainment presented for an audience". A character portrays the emotions from the directors point of view, to help the audience comprehend the current scenario. Within the first scene of the Titanic there are a few examples of a characters performance which help enhance this situation.

Example 1
When the Protagonist, Jack, wins two tickets to board the Titanic, with only minutes to spare before the boat leaves the wharf. Jack shows us his excitement, through his facial expressions. With his smile from ear to ear, we get the sense that Jack is not the luckiest of characters, and for him to win under such extraordinary circumstances shows us, that he may be heading in a new direction. It also shows us that Jack is a free spirit. He has no ties to the city, family or workplace. Him and his bestfriend are both treating life as one giant adventure, and this being the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. They both sprint to the wharf, showing how anxious he is to board the boat. He is almost gasping for air, and we can not tell whether this is because of how fast he is running, he is simply out of breath due to his excitement or are they running away from the two men they were playing poker with only a few minutes ago. We never know the answer but the audience can expect that two lower class men like themselves, were ecstatic to board such a fine vessel like the Titanic.

Example 2
Within the first scene you also see another main character, Rose, board the ship. Immediately you can compare the two characters too the variably differed lives. She is dressed elegantly, as a well brought up first class daughter would be. Rose is wearing a rather large hat with her attire, which is tilt slightly. This portrays to the audience that there is another side too Rose that you can not see, but perhaps we will see it later on in the film. There is so much thought and planning gone into her departure of the country. She has alot of responsibilities, her life is already mapped out for her. By having low angle shots towards Rose in this scene, its as if she is of high importance, and everyone "looks up" to her. Where as there are alot of high angle shots towards jack as if the worlds looking down on his carefree life.

These two actors play two completely different characters. Their way of living, their dress code, the way they talk and alot more. They help the audience comprehend their status and their way of life, so we understand the backround of the film. This is important for us too know, for the rest of the movie.