Monday, April 20, 1998
Titanic doesn’t deserve acclaim at same level as other
classic
COLUMN: Characters, plot of ‘Gone with the Wind’ prove its
superior quality
First things first. I want to make it very clear that this
column is the result of my oppressive and evil A&E section head
Cheryl Klein.
But seeing that this is a result of a fascist dictator’s
machinations, what better subject matter than something equally
oppressive and evil – "Titanic." (Can I say that? Is that libelous?
I’ve been taking all these law and libel classes this quarter and
… Hey you! This is an opinion! Opinion! And the contents of this
column in no way or shape reflect the sentiments of the Daily
Bruin, the Arts and Entertainment section or Stephanie Sheh for
that matter. There, that should do it.)
Okay, where was I … oh yeah that big unsinkable shit, I mean
ship. Even prior to the Oscars, I’ve seen various articles and
heard numerous people compare this year’s epic to the 1939 classic
"Gone with the Wind."
At the risk of giving "Titanic" even more unneeded coverage, and
because Cheryl is pointing a biretta to my head as deadline nears,
I have decided to voice all my gripes about why "Gone with the
Wind" is indeed a great film and "Titanic" just made a lot of
money. Oh, and I should know, seeing that I was Vivien Leigh in my
past life.
I mean, I can understand how those who can’t see below the
surface water may feel that "Titanic" and "Gone with the Wind" are
very similar. Sure, they were both really successful at the box
office, they’re both love stories, they’re both kind of historical,
they’re both long and they both won a bunch of Oscars. But that’s
it.
I have to admit, too, that "Titanic" does have epic-like
qualities, with the elaborate sets and stimulating visuals, but it
lacks a good story, good writing and good characters. You won’t
find me coming on to a guy with the lines, "I want you to draw me
wearing this. Only this."
Dialogue aside – though I could go on and on, for almost as long
as Celine Dion’s heart goes on – the story is just so contrived,
predictable and obvious. I mean, the whole bit with Rose trying to
commit suicide and then Jack rescuing her? Puhleeez! And as far as
a plot goes, "Titanic" just has Jack and Rose playing and then
running through the ship.
Now take a look at "Gone with the Wind," which actually has a
plot. The audience witnesses the effects the Civil War and
Reconstruction period has on Southern women. The movie follows
Scarlett through three marriages and the death of her parents and
child. Once again, I could go on and on and on … but basically
all I’m saying is it’s not just three hours of people running
around trying to escape the Union army.
Not only is the plot of "Gone with the Wind" intriguing, but the
characters have more depth than Rose DeWitt Bukater.
Just take Scarlett O’Hara as an example. She is a strong woman
who knows what she wants and will do anything to get what she
wants, going against social and moral norms. But Scarlett is still
human enough to allow herself to be pampered. And her character is
not static – the coquettish girl transforms into a mature woman,
realizing the effects of her stubbornness.
But the "Titanic" characters have about as much substance as the
plot. The evil boyfriend. The pauper falling in love with the rich
girl who wants more. Hey that kind of reminds me of … just about
every romance book, movie or story I’ve ever read or seen.
And if you don’t believe me then look at the Oscar results. Sure
"Titanic" won a slew of Oscars. (I don’t remember how many and the
approaching deadline, and Cheryl’s 9 mm, is preventing me from
being a good little journalist and checking my facts). But aside
from Best Picture and Best Director, the awards were mostly
technical. While the wonderfulest, bestest, greatest movie of all
time garnered creative awards – oh, you know, Best Actress, Best
Supporting Actress, Best Screenplay, along with the Best Director
and Best Picture statuettes.
There. That’s the end. That’s it my column’s 15 inches. Sorry if
it’s not enough closure for you Hollywood-fed readers. But I never
claimed this column would be an epic and somehow I don’t think
Cheryl has any bullets in that gun.
Stephanie Sheh is a third-year Communications Studies student
who is eagerly awaiting James "I’m the king of the world" Cameron’s
angry letter.
Stephanie Sheh