“Titanic” James Cameron became the “King of the World”: the inevitability and miracle

Theme song that wasn't in Cameron's plan

If you've seen Titanic, Celine Dion's ``My Heart Will Go On'', which plays during the Titanic, will undoubtedly be considered an integral part of the film. However, Cameron originally did not intend for Titanic to include songs, as he had done for his previous films. I thought a theme song didn't suit my movie and didn't need it.

Céline Dion - My Heart Will Go On (Love Theme from 'Titanic')

James Horner, who worked with Cameron on Aliens (1986), will be in charge of the original score for this film. In response to Cameron's requests, he continued to create beautiful melodies for key scenes, including the theme melody.

Horner was worried about what music to play during the end credits. I knew that Cameron hated the theme song. However, he has already composed what he considers to be the best melody for the movie, and he doesn't think he can write anything better than that. The idea was to develop the melody used in the play and turn it into a song. However, it was clear that even if he proposed it to Cameron first, it would be rejected, so he decided to proceed in secret without obtaining approval.

Horner wrote the lyrics for the song, asked lyricist Will Jennings to write the lyrics for the song, and then contacted Celine Dion, whom he knew personally. They asked Dion, who had already become a big name singer with hits such as the theme song for `` Beauty and the Beast '' (1991), to record a demo with no guarantee that it would be accepted. Still, Dion liked the song Horner sang, so he agreed and recorded a demo tape a week later.

Horner carried the finished demo tape with him and worked with Cameron for three or four weeks, waiting for an Being There. One day, when the director seemed to be in a good mood, he finally made up his mind and announced, ``I have a song I want you to hear,'' and put on the tape. According to Horner's recollection, Cameron first asked, "This is Celine, right?" and then said, "This is a song, right?" After listening to the end, Cameron admitted, "It's great."

"Titanic" (C)2013 Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC. All Rights Reserved.

It was finally decided that Dion would sing the theme song, and after recording, ``My Heart Will Go On'' was released on December 8, 1997, about 10 days before the movie was released. . Dion's voice continues to move the audience until the end credits, as she sings, "No matter where you are, near or far, I believe that your heart will live on. / My heart with you will live on forever." deeply connected. This theme song became Dion's biggest hit, and many people around the world returned to theaters after hearing the song on TV, on the radio, and in the streets, remembering the emotion of the movie. The huge success of both the movie and the theme song created a synergistic effect.

Although Cameron is very particular about making his own ideal films, he also has the flexibility to accept other people's opinions and ideas. Cameron was blessed with many good fortunes from the planning to production of Titanic, but he had the toughness to overcome innumerable difficulties and the flexibility to adapt and make the best of what was good. It can be said that it was a success.

【reference】

1. “ Titanic : The World of James Cameron ” by Paula Parisi Translated by Reiko Suzuki Sony Magazines

2. “ James Cameron: The Man Who Looks to the Future from the End of the World ” Written by Rebecca Keegan Translated by Shuntaro Yoshida Film Art Publishing

3. DVD “ Titanic Ultimate Edition ” 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment Japan

Text: Ikuya Takamori

Freelance writer, English-Japanese translator. Mainly contributes movie reviews and columns to web media, and translates news articles. The translated book is ``Science of Star Wars--Thorough verification! From the true nature of the Force to intergalactic travel” (written by Mark Blake and John Chase, published by Kagaku Doujin) and others.

Watch now

View work information

"Titanic"

Blu-ray now on sale

¥1,905+tax

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment Japan

(C)2013 Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC. All Rights Reserved.