Titanic’s path to iconic status was fraught with challenges and uncertainty. Prior to James Cameron’s film breaking box office records and turning Leonardo DiCaprio into a global superstar, it was the subject of much skepticism in Hollywood due to production delays and troubling reports. Jon Landau, the film’s Oscar-winning producer, shares these behind-the-scenes struggles in his posthumous memoir, The Bigger Picture.
According to Landau, the creation of the film’s first trailer became a pivotal moment in Titanic’s journey. He emphasized the critical role trailers play in generating audience interest, noting, “You have two and a half minutes to convey the movie’s story and feel.” The competition between different versions of the trailer led to intense discussions with Paramount. The initial cut was over four minutes long, but there was a competing shorter trailer that presented Titanic more like an action movie, contrary to the film’s true essence.
After much back-and-forth with the studio and a test screening at ShoWest, the trailer finally resonated with key figures in the industry, including actor Kurt Russell, who exclaimed his enthusiasm for the trailer. This moment helped secure a special allowance for the longer trailer, aiding in shifting public perception as negative narratives began to shift positively after its release.
Despite a tumultuous production and a staggering $200 million budget, Titanic’s eventual box office performance was impressive. The film premiered to a conservative $28.6 million, but audiences returned week after week, ultimately leading it to become the highest-grossing film of all time for over a decade. It not only propelled DiCaprio and co-star Kate Winslet to fame but also garnered 14 Academy Award nominations, winning 11, including Best Picture and Best Director for Cameron.
Cameron reflected on the film’s unexpected success, expressing the surreal experience of receiving such overwhelming acclaim after the initial doubts surrounding the project. Titanic’s narrative is now a testament to resilience in the face of adversity, showcasing how a film can transform public opinion and leave a lasting legacy in cinema history.