Few events in history have captured my attention quite like this one. Over the years, I've learned a lot about the ship and it's tragic story, but until I saw the movie, it was just a historical event that happened long ago. Afterwards, it became something very real. The movie isn't just a big Hollywood blockbuster, it's a piece of living history, able to transport viewers back in time to see what it might have been like to be a passenger on the world's greatest ocean liner of it's day. The Titanic movie effected me much like Schindler's List did after I'd seen it: I was speechless. It wasn't until days later that I was able to put into words my feelings about the movie. Some people may be cynical about the tremendous following and numerous awards the movie has gotten. But, they should remember that it was a real event first and a film event second. It is not only for them that I post my thoughts on the Titanic experience, but also for those who may also share my feelings about both the tragedy and the movie. There Are No Words: Reflections on Titanic As I walked out of the movie theater after seeing the movie nominated for 14 Academy Awards, there were literally no words that could describe the experience. When historical fact is combined with Hollywood film, the results are often less than the expectations. This was not the case with Titanic. For the first time that I can remember, the theater was virtually silent during the entire three and a half hours. The first images projected were those of the majestic ship once proudly hailed as UNSINKABLE resting on the ocean floor. Then the never before seen interiors of the great liner that director James Cameron captured on his six month pre-production journey to Titanic's final resting place further emphasized the scale of the tragedy. I was immediately transported back to the splendor and opulence of 1912 to sail on Titanic's fated maiden voyage. Luck and near tragedy intersect time and time again in eerie foreshadow as the story of Rose, Jack and Titanic herself is revealed. It was a lucky hand of poker that gave Jack the tickets. It was Rose's near suicide attempt over her impending marriage that brought the two together. It was love that helped one survive. It was man's mastery over machinery that forged Titanic out of dreams and steel. It was human arrogance that deemed her unsinkable. It was nature that proved them wrong. Woven in the tapestry of Jack and Rose's story were the real names and faces of Titanic's passengers. Wealthy men like Benjamin Guggenheim and John Jacob Astor, Molly Brown, Captain Edward J. Smith, Bruce Ismay, and Thomas Andrews were remarkably portrayed. Who is to say that Jack and Rose were only "fictional" characters through whose eyes and ears we see the story unfold? There were a vast number of people on that ship whose stories we don't know. In my heart and mind, I believed them to be real and still do even now. It was a night to remember and thanks to the magic of modern day film, it will not be forgotten. This version of the tragedy captured what it's predecessors some how could not. The magnitude of losses suffered was rendered in complete detail. A marvel of beauty, design and achievement was gone forever. Over fifteen hundred men, women and children lost their lives on that calm, moonless April 15th early morning. The only words that can fully capture the depth of emotion that the images and story evoke are these: There are no words. You must see it to understand. There is much more to be seen on these few pages than just my "review." I want to pay respect to the ship that was and the people who lost their lives as well as celebrate the movie that brought their stories to life. Follow the links below to continue your tour of the Titanic pages or one of the other sections that I have here. But, as always, you are welcome to return at any time.