Kate Winslet finally reveals a surprising truth about one of the most iconic scenes in Titanic. We’ve all been mistaken about it for nearly three decades.
Since its release in 1997, James Cameron’s Titanic has remained a cinematic landmark. It has become a cultural phenomenon and held the title of the highest-grossing film for 12 years, amassing over $2.264 billion. The film’s memorable scenes have been referenced across various media. Still, none has sparked more debate than the poignant floating door moment, where Jack Dawson, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, sacrifices himself so that Rose DeWitt Bukater, portrayed by Winslet, can survive in the frigid waters.
This scene has been the subject of much speculation and even featured in a Mythbusters episode. Fans have long questioned whether Jack could have survived the sinking of the Titanic if he had shared the floating debris with Rose. Winslet has stepped forward to clarify critical details about this much-discussed moment.
While promoting her latest film, Lee, on the Australian talk show The Project, Winslet addressed whether Jack had enough space on the door. She revealed that it was not even a door but a piece of fence, like a stairway or something, that had broken off. Winslet added that it was uncertain whether DiCaprio could have fit on there and said, “Honestly, I don’t have any insights here that anyone else hasn’t already tried to figure out.”
Fans of the film will remember that it is established early on that neither character could fit on the makeshift flotation device. Titanic director James Cameron has also explored the scene’s physics, conducting a scientific study with stunt doubles to reenact different survival scenarios. Cameron concluded that while it was technically possible for Jack to survive, his main concern was Rose’s safety. He noted that Jack might have lived, but there were a lot of variables, and his thought process was not to do anything that jeopardized her.
In a recent Q&A session at the 92nd Street Y for Lee, Winslet shared some amusing behind-the-scenes details about filming the pivotal moment. Contrary to the chilling depths depicted in the film, the water was only waist-high during shooting. Winslet joked that DiCaprio, kneeling, was not in danger and that breaks from the cold water were easy for her as she walked to the edge of the tank.
This revelation alters how we perceive the scene, diminishing the suspense and dread lingering around it. Winslet even joked that DiCaprio, now 49, probably experiences PTSD from being frequently questioned about this particular scene.
As fans reflect on this new information, the lingering question remains: Could Jack have survived if Rose had allowed him to share that piece of floating bannister?
Featured Image: River Callaway/Getty
Article Source: Vt.co
