More than a century after the sinking of the RMS Titanic, the disaster continues to resonate around the world. The sinking of the RMS Titanic provides a lucid and comprehensive account of one of history’s most haunting tragedies.
The film begins with an overview of the events that set off the Titanic and introduces us to the players responsible for its construction and unfortunate operation.
At the time, Titanic was one of three superliners designed to redefine luxury ocean voyages. The ship emphasizes comfort and luxury, with lavishly furnished guest rooms, a state-of-the-art gym, ornate dining areas and a grand central staircase worthy of a palace. This opulence was reserved for the wealthiest class of travelers, while the lower classes lived in more modest dwellings.
As the ship headed west toward New York City, other ships in the area warned crews of potentially dangerous icebergs. They strayed off course to avoid these obstacles, but their meager precautions could not avert their fate.
The filmmakers questioned whether the disaster was entirely avoidable, especially considering that only 20 lifeboats were stored on board during the maiden voyage. In the end, arrogance was probably the biggest reason for her downfall. After all, the Titanic was considered unsinkable—a marvel of modern innovation—and no one could have foreseen the catastrophe that would strike on April 15, 1912.
The movie is filled with photos of the main cast, descriptions of every part of the giant ship, and historical documents related to the event. Viewers learn details of the liner’s horrific plunge into the dark ocean abyss, desperate attempts to save the lives of women and children, and the brutal endings of the far less fortunate.
Much has been written about the sinking of the Titanic, and it was even the subject of one of the highest-grossing films in cinematic history. Drawing on the latest evidence and undersea footage, the sinking of the Titanic adds admirably to this ongoing narrative.