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ship_manifestoTitle: To the Stars
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
juliejordan
Fandom: Titanic
Pairing: Jack Dawson/Rose DeWitt Buaker
Spoilers: Whole movie and, through links, deleted scenes
Disclaimer: Nothing is mine. And I'm so poor that sueing me would be completely pointless.
Warning: A little picture heavy (though most of the images are smallish). I got a bit carried away!
I normally go for pairings that are a little on the twisted side, but sometimes a bit of fluff never hurts! I guess I'm a bit of a soppy old romantic deep down, and I still have a big soft spot for what was one of my earliest OTPs.
An Introduction
Although I did actually lose interest in this movie for a few years, the UK release of the 4-Disc Collectors Edition last year rekindled my love for a film that now seems to exist only to be criticized, mocked and snubbed by the general public. Well, there are still people around whose love for Titanic never did fully die. The fandom is kind of small now compared to what it originally was, but it’s still here and I think there will always be people who enjoy the movie and the story of its fictional characters.
Let me take you back to 1997. The world suddenly became obsessive over a ship that had already been resting at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean for some eighty plus years. There’s always been a large amount of interest in the Titanic, which is without question the most famous ocean liner ever to exist, but the release of James Cameron’s film made the public’s fascination soar to incredible heights.
However, the ship itself was generally just a backdrop in the movie. It was two fictional characters created by Cameron and brought to life by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet that really captured the public’s hearts.
Nobody, it seemed, could get enough of Titanic. From preteens to the elderly, people were hooked on Cameron’s love story. The story of star-crossed lovers Jack Dawson and Rose DeWitt Bukaer seemed to appeal to everyone, everywhere. People were totally enamoured and it wasn’t uncommon for Titanic fans to go and see the movie several times over during its run in the movie theatres. I myself saw it four times, and I rarely see a movie in cinema’s more than once.
There was something in the movie for everybody. For some, it was the ocean liner itself. For others, it was the ground-breaking special effects and some were appreciative of the historical aspects of the film. But for a large majority, it was the love story of Jack and Rose that really drew them in and made them pay to watch the film time and time again on the big screen.
The story of Jack and Rose was, for many, an emotional rollercoaster. We laughed with them and we cried with them. We became attached to the characters and we wanted them to beat the odds and stay together, however impossible we knew it really was.
Jack Dawson
Little is known about Jack Dawson. We know that he grew up in Chippewa Falls and that his father died when he was fifteen, and that his mother had died some time before that. We know that he’s an artist and that he’s travelled around a bit. And that’s about all.
When we first meet Jack, it’s in a Southampton pub and he’s playing poker. Included in the prize are two third class passenger tickets for the Titanic’s maiden voyage. Luck seems to be on Jack’s side as he wins the tickets and, along with his Italian friend Fabrizo, manages to board the ship just as it’s preparing to set sail from the dock.
Jack is a youthful, hopeful person who still has a strong sense of innocence about him, despite the kind of life he’s leading. Practically a street urchin, Jack doesn’t let the circumstances of his life depress him and remains upbeat and alive. He has a real sense of adventure and a wild heart. Material possessions seem to mean little to him. So long as he has air in his lungs and a few blank sheets of paper, he’s okay.
Or is there maybe something missing?
Rose DeWitt Bukater
Right from the moment Rose is first introduced as she steps out of an impressive automobile, it’s made clear that she’s a poor little rich girl. Out of the hundreds of people who are gathered at the pier, she’s the only one who is not only completely unimpressed by the Titanic, but painfully unhappy.
After a shopping trip in Europe, Rose is travelling back home to Philadelphia with her mother, Ruth, and her fiancé, Caledon Hockley. Accompanying the aristocrats is Rose’s maid, Trudy Bolt, and Cal’s valet, Spicer Lovejoy.
Old Rose’s voice over reminisces that Titanic was like a slave ship, taking her back to America in chains. Even so early on in the story, it’s made obvious that Rose has fallen out of love with Cal, if she was ever in love with him at all.
Rose’s relationship with Ruth isn’t a pleasant one. Ruth believes that Rose needs to marry Cal to ensure their survival, claiming that all Rose’s deceased father left them was a good name and bad debts. Ruth is using Rose to secure her own place among high society and doesn’t seem to care for her daughter’s feelings or opinions. Ruth supports Rose in nothing and sides with Cal at every opportunity and neither care about what Rose thinks or wants.
After Rose attempts suicide during the voyage, Cal visits her in her room and gives her a rare blue diamond. He asks Rose to open her heart to him, but the gift makes Rose feel even more distressed.
It’s only as Rose begins spending time with Jack that we start to see that there’s more to her than a distressed woman. Her new friend quickly begins to bring out her true spirit. He also quickly turns into something more than just a friend.
Together
Jack’s first glimpse of Rose is on deck after lunchtime on the second day of the voyage. He’s on the third class deck socialising with Fabrizo and new friend Tommy Ryan when he spies the first class beauty on a deck above him. They both see each other, but Rose snubs his gaze and continues to stare melancholy at the sea. Cal appears, exchanges a few words with Rose and then leads her away.
In just a few seconds, Jack’s already enchanted by the beautiful redhead. His friends find his infatuation amusing. Tommy advises Jack to forget her. “You’d need to have angels flying out of your arse to get next to the likes of her” says the Irish man.
When Jack and Rose next meet, it’s evening and Jack is lying down on one of the benches on the third class deck, gazing at the stars as he smokes a cigarette. Suddenly, he hears someone running passed. The person’s loud sobs don’t go unnoticed by him and Jack’s curiosity is stirred.
Upon inspection, he finds is the woman he was so captivated by earlier about to throw herself from the stern of the ship.
Despite the bizarre and dangerous situation, Jack remains calm and begins talking to the hysterical Rose. At first, she’s angered by his presence and demands that he leave, but Jack’s determined and in little time, he’s managed to get Rose to change her mind. From the moment Rose turns and faces Jack, there’s a connection. She introduces herself as Rose DeWitt Bukater and Jack nervously jokes “I’m gonna have to get you to write that one down”. He offers her his hand and is about to pull her back over to safety when her shoe catches on the hem of her dress. She slips, nearly falling overboard, but Jack manages to save her.
After a misunderstanding, Cal invites Jack to dine with them in first class the following evening and Jack accepts.
When they meet again, Rose and Jack are enjoying a leisurely stroll. Rose has invited Jack to join her on the first class decks to thank him for his discretion the night before. Jack tells Rose a bit about his life but when he asks Rose if she loves Cal, Rose becomes defensive and won’t answer the question. She demands that Jack leave, but then she spies his art folder and makes him show her some of his drawings. She’s awed by his talent and confesses how she longs to just head out to the horizon and do things like riding roller coasters and drinking cheap beer. Unlike everyone else, Jack actually encourages her dreams and even teaches her one of them – how to spit like a man.
That evening, Jack joins Rose in the first class dining room for dinner. As he talks some more about his life, Rose listens, absolutely fascinated. Although Ruth and Cal try to embarrass Jack, Jack cleverly rises above them and charms everybody. After dinner, he slips a note into Rose’s hand. “Make it count, meet me at the clock” it says. Although nervous, Rose accepts the invitation.
“So you wanna go to a real party?”
Jack takes Rose down to the steerage quarters, where a party is in full swing. Rose drinks beer, shows off her talent for ballet, and dances with Jack. For the first time in the whole story, she’s completely care free and is in her element. She’s so far from the moody girl who first boarded the ship that she’s almost a different character. Is this the real Rose DeWitt Bukater? While Cal and Ruth crush her spirit, Jack sets it free and revels in her passion.
But Rose still isn’t prepared to follow her heart and she returns to Cal. He’s found out about her antics below decks and angrily lectures her, terrifying her into submission. Even when Jack steals her away into the gymnasium and tries to convince her that she has to breakaway from her life or the fire he loves about her will burn out, Rose refuses and runs to her fiancé.
However, Jack’s words must have struck a nerve with her, as later, as she drinks tea with her mother, she watches as a small girl is publicly critiqued by her mother. Something inside Rose snaps at the sight and in the next scene, she’s gone to the bow of the ship to seek out Jack.
“I’ve changed my mind.”
Not giving Rose a chance to launch into an explanation, Jack invites her to climb up onto the railing. He has her close her eyes and spread her arms, and Rose is overwhelmed, exclaiming happily “I’m flying!”
She feels free, probably for the first time in her life. She releases herself completely, kissing Jack as they sail into the sunset.
A short time later, Rose has stripped off her clothes and is asking Jack to draw her wearing only the Heart of the Ocean. Old Rose describes the experience as “the most erotic moment of my life…up until then, at least”.
“Put your hands on me, Jack.”
It’s never made explicitly clear if Rose is a virgin but I’m of the opinion that she was. It was 1912; she was unwed and only seventeen. From how Cal urged Rose to open her heart to him, and how jealous he became after learning of her interactions with Jack at the steerage party, I think it’s reasonable to assume that Cal and Rose never slept together. I don’t think it’s far fetched to believe that Rose hadn’t slept with anyone else, either.
Jack, on the other hand, is another matter. I have a bit of a hard time believing that someone as worldly as he was supposed to be would be still be a virgin at his age, even in 1912. He’s reasonably well travelled and has spent a lot of time in the company of prostitutes…it’s not impossible that he did more than simply draw their portraits. Yet, the way he reacts to his sexual experience with Rose is played out in a bit of a virginal way…he trembles, and seems spellbound by what they’ve done.
I suppose the virginities of Jack and Rose before their own act of love making will always be a mystery. James Cameron has never stated anything about it as far as I’m aware, and unless he does I guess it’s something that’s open for individual interpretation.
Laughing, giddy, they then go out on deck and kiss under the stars. And then the Titanic hits ice. Jack and Rose see the collision and overhear some of the crew talking about it. Things sound bad. Rose decides they have to tell her mother and Cal.
Things don’t go according to plan and as they return to first class, Lovejoy happens along and slyly slips the Heart of the Ocean into Jack’s pocket. Jack is framed for theft, and Rose fails to save him as she momentarily doubts his innocence.
When Rose realises the grave mistake she’s made, she rescues Jack at the risk of her own life, nearly drowning in the incoming water which is now flooding the ship as she goes through the lower decks. She nearly dies more than once saving him but she doesn’t care. All she cares about is getting him back and apologising for her error, even when the ship’s sinking around her.
“You jump, I jump, right?”
Later, Jack tries to get Rose into a lifeboat. He succeeds, but at the last minute she jumps back on to the sinking Titanic and runs back into his arms. Rose has known Jack for just mere days but her passion is already so intense that she’s willing to stay with him, even on a sinking ship. She doesn’t care, so long as they aren’t apart. They stay together until the ship goes down and even after the vessel has sunk, they remain together in the water, fighting for survival. Together.
“I’ll never let go. I promise.”
As Rose attempts to say goodbye, believing that she’s going to freeze to death as she clings onto a bit of debris, Jack makes her promise not to quit. He probably realises that he’s dying himself at this point and might be wanting reassurance that it won’t be for nothing. His own death doesn’t matter as long as it ensues Rose will get to live the life of dreams. He tells her about the kind of life she’s going to have. She’ll die an old woman, warm in her bed. She’s going to have children of her own and will get to watch them grow. It won’t end here, not for her.
The words seem to be enough to keep Rose going. Even after Jack loses consciousness, Rose is still clinging to life, staring at the stars and quietly singing their song, Come Josephine in My Flying Machine as she waits for rescue. When she spies a lifeboat approaching them, Rose tries furiously to wake Jack. Even when it becomes obvious that Jack’s dead, she grips on to him for as long as she can. When he slips out of her grasp, disappearing under the water, Rose is devastated. But she still alerts the lifeboat to her presence, no doubt remembering Jack’s promise and not wanting to let him down.
After the audience are returned to the present day of 1997, we’re shown several photographs of Rose’s life. There are studio shots of her as an actress. There are pictures of her in abroadwith elephants and at Santa Monica, riding a horse in the surf with one leg on each side, like a cowboy. There’s a photo of her posing next to an airplane and several shots of who are obviously her children. She’s lived her dreams and now she’s an old woman asleep in her bed.
Magically, she’s transported to a Heavenly version of the Titanic. She’s young again and all those who went down with the ship welcome her as she reunites with Jack, kissing him passionately at the top of the Grand Staircase. Has she died an old lady warm in her bed just as she promised she’d do, or is she simply dreaming? James Cameron purposely left it for the audience to decide.
Regardless, what is clear is that Jack saved Rose. It’s because of him that she got to live the kind of life she’d dreamed about. Without him, she likely would have grown up miserable and caged, possibly never to know genuine happiness.
Would Jack and Rose have had a happy ever after life together if Jack had lived? Who knows? But as short-lived and ill-fated as their romance was, it was doubtlessly a life-changing experience for each of them.
Fanfiction Reccomendations
While there’s a lot of Titanic fanfic out there, finding the good stuff is actually pretty hard. I’ve found less than a handful out of the fics I’ve read that I feel are well-written enough to rec to others. They are:
April in Rome
Written by Janice Mailstead. This is an amazing Alternate Universe tale set in the present day. Rose is the Texan daughter of a famous singer and Jack is an actor. The AU is pulled off magnificently; Janice manages to keep all personalities completely in character while introducing the readers to a fascinating “what if” world.
A Californian Rose
Written by Anne Blair. Anne’s written a number of good Titanic fics, but this is my personal favourite. It’s the story of Jack and Rose, but set in present day America and with an earthquake instead of a sinking ship. More good in characterness is to be found here, and Anne does well blending in aspects of the movie within her own AU.
Night Train
Written by Shirley. This is a “Jack Lives!” fic, but it’s probably the most original take on the issue that I’ve seen. Shirley cleverly reunites Jack and Rose after several years and has a really great style that drew me in.
Absolution
Written by BBB (yes, that’s the authors actual ID). Rose tries to survive in New York after the sinking. An entertaining and well-written read.
Vids
I admit, I’m not that into fanvids and music videos, but after poking around YouTube, I found a few that I actually did like. These are really well done, actually, IMHO. Apologies for the lack of links – I’ve tried multipule times to link to these, but LJ hates me. You’ll find them easily enough by searching YouTube, though.
What If - Made by lupinskitten.
Because of You - Made by LadyAllie.
Memories - Made by outofthisworld87.
I Turn to You - Made by MizzElin.
Web Links
Given that the movie is nearly ten years old, there aren’t a lot of fansites left anymore. Most have vanished from the internet, others are littered with broken links and images. But a few are still standing, and here are the best of them:
Rose DeWitt Bukater’s Closet
An excellent rescoure for those interested in the costumes worn by Kate Winslet in the film. This unique and comprehensive guide has detailed pictures and descriptions of all of Rose’s fashions and links to where you can hire seamstresses to recreate them specifally for you, if you wish.
Anne’s Story Page
Apart from FF.net, this is the biggest single source for Titanic fanfiction. Anne hosts and accepts stories of any kind, from canon style fics to present day AUs, anything is welcome. Lots to read here, and a great place for hosting your own Titanic fic.
Back to Titanic
One of the oldest fan sites on the internet, this is a great place to forfil your Titanic movie needs. Has a good image gallery with movie stills, pictures of deleted scenes, and scans.
Heart of Destiny
A decent resource for actor Leonardo DiCaprio, who portrayed Jack Dawson.
Discover Kate
The best source for Kate Winslet, the actress who portrayed Rose DeWitt Bukater, on the internet. Has an amazing collection of pictures and is updated regularly.
Encyclopedia Titanica
A fantastic place to go for information on the real Titanic and the real-life passengers who sailed on her. Be warned, many who frequent the forums section of this site dislike Cameron’s film and, especially, the Jack and Rose aspect, but if you need some facts about the real ship and it’s passengers, look no further.
Author:
juliejordanFandom: Titanic
Pairing: Jack Dawson/Rose DeWitt Buaker
Spoilers: Whole movie and, through links, deleted scenes
Disclaimer: Nothing is mine. And I'm so poor that sueing me would be completely pointless.
Warning: A little picture heavy (though most of the images are smallish). I got a bit carried away!
I normally go for pairings that are a little on the twisted side, but sometimes a bit of fluff never hurts! I guess I'm a bit of a soppy old romantic deep down, and I still have a big soft spot for what was one of my earliest OTPs.
Although I did actually lose interest in this movie for a few years, the UK release of the 4-Disc Collectors Edition last year rekindled my love for a film that now seems to exist only to be criticized, mocked and snubbed by the general public. Well, there are still people around whose love for Titanic never did fully die. The fandom is kind of small now compared to what it originally was, but it’s still here and I think there will always be people who enjoy the movie and the story of its fictional characters.
Let me take you back to 1997. The world suddenly became obsessive over a ship that had already been resting at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean for some eighty plus years. There’s always been a large amount of interest in the Titanic, which is without question the most famous ocean liner ever to exist, but the release of James Cameron’s film made the public’s fascination soar to incredible heights.
However, the ship itself was generally just a backdrop in the movie. It was two fictional characters created by Cameron and brought to life by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet that really captured the public’s hearts.
Nobody, it seemed, could get enough of Titanic. From preteens to the elderly, people were hooked on Cameron’s love story. The story of star-crossed lovers Jack Dawson and Rose DeWitt Bukaer seemed to appeal to everyone, everywhere. People were totally enamoured and it wasn’t uncommon for Titanic fans to go and see the movie several times over during its run in the movie theatres. I myself saw it four times, and I rarely see a movie in cinema’s more than once.
There was something in the movie for everybody. For some, it was the ocean liner itself. For others, it was the ground-breaking special effects and some were appreciative of the historical aspects of the film. But for a large majority, it was the love story of Jack and Rose that really drew them in and made them pay to watch the film time and time again on the big screen.
The story of Jack and Rose was, for many, an emotional rollercoaster. We laughed with them and we cried with them. We became attached to the characters and we wanted them to beat the odds and stay together, however impossible we knew it really was.
Little is known about Jack Dawson. We know that he grew up in Chippewa Falls and that his father died when he was fifteen, and that his mother had died some time before that. We know that he’s an artist and that he’s travelled around a bit. And that’s about all.
When we first meet Jack, it’s in a Southampton pub and he’s playing poker. Included in the prize are two third class passenger tickets for the Titanic’s maiden voyage. Luck seems to be on Jack’s side as he wins the tickets and, along with his Italian friend Fabrizo, manages to board the ship just as it’s preparing to set sail from the dock.
Jack is a youthful, hopeful person who still has a strong sense of innocence about him, despite the kind of life he’s leading. Practically a street urchin, Jack doesn’t let the circumstances of his life depress him and remains upbeat and alive. He has a real sense of adventure and a wild heart. Material possessions seem to mean little to him. So long as he has air in his lungs and a few blank sheets of paper, he’s okay.
Or is there maybe something missing?
Right from the moment Rose is first introduced as she steps out of an impressive automobile, it’s made clear that she’s a poor little rich girl. Out of the hundreds of people who are gathered at the pier, she’s the only one who is not only completely unimpressed by the Titanic, but painfully unhappy.
After a shopping trip in Europe, Rose is travelling back home to Philadelphia with her mother, Ruth, and her fiancé, Caledon Hockley. Accompanying the aristocrats is Rose’s maid, Trudy Bolt, and Cal’s valet, Spicer Lovejoy.
Old Rose’s voice over reminisces that Titanic was like a slave ship, taking her back to America in chains. Even so early on in the story, it’s made obvious that Rose has fallen out of love with Cal, if she was ever in love with him at all.
Rose’s relationship with Ruth isn’t a pleasant one. Ruth believes that Rose needs to marry Cal to ensure their survival, claiming that all Rose’s deceased father left them was a good name and bad debts. Ruth is using Rose to secure her own place among high society and doesn’t seem to care for her daughter’s feelings or opinions. Ruth supports Rose in nothing and sides with Cal at every opportunity and neither care about what Rose thinks or wants.
After Rose attempts suicide during the voyage, Cal visits her in her room and gives her a rare blue diamond. He asks Rose to open her heart to him, but the gift makes Rose feel even more distressed.
It’s only as Rose begins spending time with Jack that we start to see that there’s more to her than a distressed woman. Her new friend quickly begins to bring out her true spirit. He also quickly turns into something more than just a friend.
Jack’s first glimpse of Rose is on deck after lunchtime on the second day of the voyage. He’s on the third class deck socialising with Fabrizo and new friend Tommy Ryan when he spies the first class beauty on a deck above him. They both see each other, but Rose snubs his gaze and continues to stare melancholy at the sea. Cal appears, exchanges a few words with Rose and then leads her away.
In just a few seconds, Jack’s already enchanted by the beautiful redhead. His friends find his infatuation amusing. Tommy advises Jack to forget her. “You’d need to have angels flying out of your arse to get next to the likes of her” says the Irish man.
When Jack and Rose next meet, it’s evening and Jack is lying down on one of the benches on the third class deck, gazing at the stars as he smokes a cigarette. Suddenly, he hears someone running passed. The person’s loud sobs don’t go unnoticed by him and Jack’s curiosity is stirred.
Upon inspection, he finds is the woman he was so captivated by earlier about to throw herself from the stern of the ship.
Despite the bizarre and dangerous situation, Jack remains calm and begins talking to the hysterical Rose. At first, she’s angered by his presence and demands that he leave, but Jack’s determined and in little time, he’s managed to get Rose to change her mind. From the moment Rose turns and faces Jack, there’s a connection. She introduces herself as Rose DeWitt Bukater and Jack nervously jokes “I’m gonna have to get you to write that one down”. He offers her his hand and is about to pull her back over to safety when her shoe catches on the hem of her dress. She slips, nearly falling overboard, but Jack manages to save her.
After a misunderstanding, Cal invites Jack to dine with them in first class the following evening and Jack accepts.
When they meet again, Rose and Jack are enjoying a leisurely stroll. Rose has invited Jack to join her on the first class decks to thank him for his discretion the night before. Jack tells Rose a bit about his life but when he asks Rose if she loves Cal, Rose becomes defensive and won’t answer the question. She demands that Jack leave, but then she spies his art folder and makes him show her some of his drawings. She’s awed by his talent and confesses how she longs to just head out to the horizon and do things like riding roller coasters and drinking cheap beer. Unlike everyone else, Jack actually encourages her dreams and even teaches her one of them – how to spit like a man.
That evening, Jack joins Rose in the first class dining room for dinner. As he talks some more about his life, Rose listens, absolutely fascinated. Although Ruth and Cal try to embarrass Jack, Jack cleverly rises above them and charms everybody. After dinner, he slips a note into Rose’s hand. “Make it count, meet me at the clock” it says. Although nervous, Rose accepts the invitation.
“So you wanna go to a real party?”
Jack takes Rose down to the steerage quarters, where a party is in full swing. Rose drinks beer, shows off her talent for ballet, and dances with Jack. For the first time in the whole story, she’s completely care free and is in her element. She’s so far from the moody girl who first boarded the ship that she’s almost a different character. Is this the real Rose DeWitt Bukater? While Cal and Ruth crush her spirit, Jack sets it free and revels in her passion.
But Rose still isn’t prepared to follow her heart and she returns to Cal. He’s found out about her antics below decks and angrily lectures her, terrifying her into submission. Even when Jack steals her away into the gymnasium and tries to convince her that she has to breakaway from her life or the fire he loves about her will burn out, Rose refuses and runs to her fiancé.
However, Jack’s words must have struck a nerve with her, as later, as she drinks tea with her mother, she watches as a small girl is publicly critiqued by her mother. Something inside Rose snaps at the sight and in the next scene, she’s gone to the bow of the ship to seek out Jack.
“I’ve changed my mind.”
Not giving Rose a chance to launch into an explanation, Jack invites her to climb up onto the railing. He has her close her eyes and spread her arms, and Rose is overwhelmed, exclaiming happily “I’m flying!”
She feels free, probably for the first time in her life. She releases herself completely, kissing Jack as they sail into the sunset.
A short time later, Rose has stripped off her clothes and is asking Jack to draw her wearing only the Heart of the Ocean. Old Rose describes the experience as “the most erotic moment of my life…up until then, at least”.
“Put your hands on me, Jack.”
It’s never made explicitly clear if Rose is a virgin but I’m of the opinion that she was. It was 1912; she was unwed and only seventeen. From how Cal urged Rose to open her heart to him, and how jealous he became after learning of her interactions with Jack at the steerage party, I think it’s reasonable to assume that Cal and Rose never slept together. I don’t think it’s far fetched to believe that Rose hadn’t slept with anyone else, either.
Jack, on the other hand, is another matter. I have a bit of a hard time believing that someone as worldly as he was supposed to be would be still be a virgin at his age, even in 1912. He’s reasonably well travelled and has spent a lot of time in the company of prostitutes…it’s not impossible that he did more than simply draw their portraits. Yet, the way he reacts to his sexual experience with Rose is played out in a bit of a virginal way…he trembles, and seems spellbound by what they’ve done.
I suppose the virginities of Jack and Rose before their own act of love making will always be a mystery. James Cameron has never stated anything about it as far as I’m aware, and unless he does I guess it’s something that’s open for individual interpretation.
Laughing, giddy, they then go out on deck and kiss under the stars. And then the Titanic hits ice. Jack and Rose see the collision and overhear some of the crew talking about it. Things sound bad. Rose decides they have to tell her mother and Cal.
Things don’t go according to plan and as they return to first class, Lovejoy happens along and slyly slips the Heart of the Ocean into Jack’s pocket. Jack is framed for theft, and Rose fails to save him as she momentarily doubts his innocence.
When Rose realises the grave mistake she’s made, she rescues Jack at the risk of her own life, nearly drowning in the incoming water which is now flooding the ship as she goes through the lower decks. She nearly dies more than once saving him but she doesn’t care. All she cares about is getting him back and apologising for her error, even when the ship’s sinking around her.
“You jump, I jump, right?”
Later, Jack tries to get Rose into a lifeboat. He succeeds, but at the last minute she jumps back on to the sinking Titanic and runs back into his arms. Rose has known Jack for just mere days but her passion is already so intense that she’s willing to stay with him, even on a sinking ship. She doesn’t care, so long as they aren’t apart. They stay together until the ship goes down and even after the vessel has sunk, they remain together in the water, fighting for survival. Together.
“I’ll never let go. I promise.”
As Rose attempts to say goodbye, believing that she’s going to freeze to death as she clings onto a bit of debris, Jack makes her promise not to quit. He probably realises that he’s dying himself at this point and might be wanting reassurance that it won’t be for nothing. His own death doesn’t matter as long as it ensues Rose will get to live the life of dreams. He tells her about the kind of life she’s going to have. She’ll die an old woman, warm in her bed. She’s going to have children of her own and will get to watch them grow. It won’t end here, not for her.
The words seem to be enough to keep Rose going. Even after Jack loses consciousness, Rose is still clinging to life, staring at the stars and quietly singing their song, Come Josephine in My Flying Machine as she waits for rescue. When she spies a lifeboat approaching them, Rose tries furiously to wake Jack. Even when it becomes obvious that Jack’s dead, she grips on to him for as long as she can. When he slips out of her grasp, disappearing under the water, Rose is devastated. But she still alerts the lifeboat to her presence, no doubt remembering Jack’s promise and not wanting to let him down.
After the audience are returned to the present day of 1997, we’re shown several photographs of Rose’s life. There are studio shots of her as an actress. There are pictures of her in abroadwith elephants and at Santa Monica, riding a horse in the surf with one leg on each side, like a cowboy. There’s a photo of her posing next to an airplane and several shots of who are obviously her children. She’s lived her dreams and now she’s an old woman asleep in her bed.
Magically, she’s transported to a Heavenly version of the Titanic. She’s young again and all those who went down with the ship welcome her as she reunites with Jack, kissing him passionately at the top of the Grand Staircase. Has she died an old lady warm in her bed just as she promised she’d do, or is she simply dreaming? James Cameron purposely left it for the audience to decide.
Regardless, what is clear is that Jack saved Rose. It’s because of him that she got to live the kind of life she’d dreamed about. Without him, she likely would have grown up miserable and caged, possibly never to know genuine happiness.
Would Jack and Rose have had a happy ever after life together if Jack had lived? Who knows? But as short-lived and ill-fated as their romance was, it was doubtlessly a life-changing experience for each of them.
Fanfiction Reccomendations
While there’s a lot of Titanic fanfic out there, finding the good stuff is actually pretty hard. I’ve found less than a handful out of the fics I’ve read that I feel are well-written enough to rec to others. They are:
April in Rome
Written by Janice Mailstead. This is an amazing Alternate Universe tale set in the present day. Rose is the Texan daughter of a famous singer and Jack is an actor. The AU is pulled off magnificently; Janice manages to keep all personalities completely in character while introducing the readers to a fascinating “what if” world.
A Californian Rose
Written by Anne Blair. Anne’s written a number of good Titanic fics, but this is my personal favourite. It’s the story of Jack and Rose, but set in present day America and with an earthquake instead of a sinking ship. More good in characterness is to be found here, and Anne does well blending in aspects of the movie within her own AU.
Night Train
Written by Shirley. This is a “Jack Lives!” fic, but it’s probably the most original take on the issue that I’ve seen. Shirley cleverly reunites Jack and Rose after several years and has a really great style that drew me in.
Absolution
Written by BBB (yes, that’s the authors actual ID). Rose tries to survive in New York after the sinking. An entertaining and well-written read.
Vids
I admit, I’m not that into fanvids and music videos, but after poking around YouTube, I found a few that I actually did like. These are really well done, actually, IMHO. Apologies for the lack of links – I’ve tried multipule times to link to these, but LJ hates me. You’ll find them easily enough by searching YouTube, though.
What If - Made by lupinskitten.
Because of You - Made by LadyAllie.
Memories - Made by outofthisworld87.
I Turn to You - Made by MizzElin.
Web Links
Given that the movie is nearly ten years old, there aren’t a lot of fansites left anymore. Most have vanished from the internet, others are littered with broken links and images. But a few are still standing, and here are the best of them:
Rose DeWitt Bukater’s Closet
An excellent rescoure for those interested in the costumes worn by Kate Winslet in the film. This unique and comprehensive guide has detailed pictures and descriptions of all of Rose’s fashions and links to where you can hire seamstresses to recreate them specifally for you, if you wish.
Anne’s Story Page
Apart from FF.net, this is the biggest single source for Titanic fanfiction. Anne hosts and accepts stories of any kind, from canon style fics to present day AUs, anything is welcome. Lots to read here, and a great place for hosting your own Titanic fic.
Back to Titanic
One of the oldest fan sites on the internet, this is a great place to forfil your Titanic movie needs. Has a good image gallery with movie stills, pictures of deleted scenes, and scans.
Heart of Destiny
A decent resource for actor Leonardo DiCaprio, who portrayed Jack Dawson.
Discover Kate
The best source for Kate Winslet, the actress who portrayed Rose DeWitt Bukater, on the internet. Has an amazing collection of pictures and is updated regularly.
Encyclopedia Titanica
A fantastic place to go for information on the real Titanic and the real-life passengers who sailed on her. Be warned, many who frequent the forums section of this site dislike Cameron’s film and, especially, the Jack and Rose aspect, but if you need some facts about the real ship and it’s passengers, look no further.
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no subject
Date: 2007-02-02 02:59 pm (UTC)It really is a very thought out and well drawn love story, something that is so rare these days that I probably didn't recognize it when the movie came out.
I recently started watching Indian (Bollywood) movies, that have a very strong focus on romance and, well, great romance. I remember reading that Titanic was one of the biggest foreign movies in India and after a while it started to make sense, there really is a lot of parallels in how the characters are drawn and where the emphasis of the story lies. Again, almost non-traditional for typical HW cinema, especially for somebody like me who is usually more used to action or SciFi flicks.
By now I think it gets slammed wrongfully. It really does a good job of being what it is, a romance. Which just might be something we are barely used to anymore.
no subject
Date: 2007-02-02 03:24 pm (UTC)I'm not one to pretend that the movie is flawless. There are a lot of little nitpicks that I have with the film, but, overall, I still really enjoy it and I think it's very unfairly treated by the large majority. I mean, EVERYBODY was crazy about this film when it came out. People seem to forget just how huge and important it was back then. From what I've seen many who bash it seem to do so just because everyone else does. Rather sad, really, but that's the way it goes.
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Date: 2007-02-02 03:43 pm (UTC)Thanks :)
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Date: 2007-02-02 04:36 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-02-04 12:20 am (UTC)Nothing and no one will ever break my love from this movie!!
(BTW, I'm Iva_DiCaprioAngel from OOS (http://www.ocean-of-secrets.2ya.com))
no subject
Date: 2007-02-12 02:43 am (UTC)I was something like 7 when I saw the film and funnily enough at 16 I still am in love with the story, despite the criticisms. Jack & Rose was my first movie ship and still my strongest.
Nicely written and I'll be sure to check out some of the fics you mentioned when I have some time :)
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Date: 2007-08-06 12:48 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-04-27 09:57 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-12-22 08:20 am (UTC)