In James Cameron's "Titanic," one of the major features was the Titanic itself. Since it was where most of the action took place, the ship not only had to look realistic but its grandeur expressed adequately on film. This was not an easy task to accomplish when the actual ship used for filming was a 60 foot model and a few physical sets where some action took place. A lot of wide, sweeping crane shots were used during the first part of the film; going from close-ups of the hull and rising up above the bow to accentuate the majesty and size. By surrounding the model and sets with extra space around the frame, and combined with the actual and digital actors to add perspective, the illusion was created that the audience was looking at the real, life-sized ship. The camera movements also added to convey the speed of the ship as it hit the open water. This contrasted with the shots later in the film which were mostly stationary, adding to Titanic sitting dead in the water as it sank.
Lighting, set design, and camera work also played a bit of a role in helping to contrast the different aspects of Titanic; specifically the divide between the classes. Near the middle of the movie when Jack has dinner with Rose and her family, he later takes her to a party in the 3rd class area. Aside from the more reserved mannerisms of the upper class people in comparison to the rowdy lower classes, as well as the grand design of their dining area as compared to the industrial plainness of steerage, the upper class dinner was presented with muted colors. It was very sterile, very clean, and cool. The lower class had a warmer hue, adding vibrancy and life to the action. This also added an accentuation on the "grime" and sweat of the poor passengers, as opposed to the neat and tidy upper class. There was also many tight and close-up shots in the lower class scenes, helping to convey the tightness of their cramped quarters. The upper class shots had a little more space around the actors, a little more breathing room helping the audience feel that the accomodations were infinitely greater. With these two scenes together, the drastic differences in personality of the same ship are conveyed.
14 years ago
