Titanic Director James Cameron Reflects on Movie's Making and Budget Strategy
In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, Titanic director James Cameron shared insights into the making of the iconic film as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Cameron revealed a cost-saving strategy employed during casting, stating, "We only cast short extras so it made our set look bigger. Anybody above 5ft 8, we didn't cast them. It's like we got an extra million dollars of value out of casting."
The decision aimed to emphasise the enormous size of the ship, contributing to the film's visual grandeur.
The Hollywood blockbuster, released 26 years ago, became the highest-earning film of all time until Cameron surpassed his own record with Avatar in 2009. Titanic's production cost a then-record $200 million due to the extensive sets and complex engineering required for key sequences.
Despite budget concerns, Titanic went on to gross more than $1.8 billion during its initial run, eventually reaching $2.2 billion with subsequent re-releases, according to Box Office Mojo. The film garnered critical acclaim, earning 14 Oscar nominations and winning 11, including Best Picture.
Cameron’s unconventional casting decision and strategic choices have become part of the film's legacy, demonstrating that sometimes, even in the face of uncertainty, a bold approach can lead to unprecedented success.
