For some time now, Billy had been toying with the idea of creating his own premiere hall, on the level of Disney, where grand events could take place in full splendor and where the productions under his wing would be properly promoted. A full-scale event venue, meant to showcase all his films. But that wasn't enough—he wanted to craft a true cinematic experience, where audiences would see filmgoing as something immersive, like IMAX, with moving seats and à la carte menus.
–It cost over $200 million, making it the most expensive movie ever made at that time. Its budget even surpassed the actual cost of building the original Titanic.– Billy whispered to Monica, as she lay beside him like she had for so long.
He began briefly sketching short lines and angles, analyzing Titanic's reception—the magic of Cameron and the impressive visual effects, with real submarine dives—everything seemed to be sailing smoothly.
–So much money,– Monica whispered. –It just scares me to think we might lose it.–
Billy laughed, but focused on the film's early scenes, where the first results came together—a sketchbook filled with Billy's drawings, brimming with quality, speed, and simplicity. His beautifully crafted charcoal lines gave life to scenes with such vivid realism and elegance. For Billy, the sketchbook had been a challenge he embraced fully, with large-scale illustrations of distinct features. It was almost necessary to take a closer look at his work, especially under the right light, which made it truly shine.
–Those drawings are so powerful,– Monica murmured softly, more breath than voice, already knowing how exceptional they were.
The drawing of a nude Kate Winslet was, in its own right, a masterpiece—its form, lighting, and erotic expression were exceptional. In the story, Rose Dawson sees the portrait and reveals that she's the woman in it, now over 90 years old and visibly worn. She's flown in by helicopter, and to her surprise, the team is only concerned with unraveling how the Titanic sank—a conversation so compelling it immediately captivates the audience.
Then the scene shifts, and Rose begins to recount the story in such vivid detail that her memories come to life—and do so to perfection. Her tale stands out magnificently in contrast with Billy's entrance, playing poker with his friend Fabrizio, laughing and joking. His performance is sublime—every nuance carefully considered. His smile, his sparkling eyes, and the mix of confidence and arrogance radiating from him were pitch perfect.
Brilliant, thought the producers at Fox and Paramount.
His calm voice added an extra layer, syncing perfectly with the visual tone and helping every cast member settle into the scene. Billy took note of the contrasts and consistencies in each performance. His methodical approach was evident—he prepared from every angle, even rehearsing eyebrow movements to avoid overacting, a concern he had with evading paparazzi perception.
–You're so good at acting,– Monica said, squeezing his hand, trying to stay in step with the film. It was a long introduction—nearly an hour in—but with such a slow and deliberate buildup, the extra 120 minutes gave the characters more life. The way Rose becomes disillusioned with her life, yearning for something more beautiful and free, trembling in fear as she finds herself trapped in a loveless engagement. Cal Hockley is portrayed as the perfect pompous stereotype, a man she could never love, even with all his wealth.
When Billy's character saves her, and the journey begins—the girl trying to escape her life through suicide, the gentleness with which Jack treats her—the story unfolds of a high-society woman falling in love with a lower-class man through subtle moments, like the freedom he represents. He offers her a taste of choice, however small, in a world where women had very little.
–She wore so much makeup, it was honestly a pain just to kiss her,– Billy said to Monica, who now sat upright, fully engaged with the film that had truly drawn her in. It may not have seemed like a classic at first glance, but now, it absolutely was.
–You two have a great dynamic,– Monica remarked. –I mean, the chemistry is amazing. Her cheeks look so flushed, and when she looks at you, it's like she lights up like a star. And you… You look at her and undress her with a love that's almost sacred.–
–Desire is always the beginning of love,– Billy said, more to himself than anyone else. He didn't attempt to explain further, but he deeply understood both love and desire. In cinema, where emotions run high and the interactions between actors are so charged, it becomes a matter of willpower—either yielding to passion or learning to resist it.
You see Jack and Rose enjoying themselves at the lower-class parties—the laughter, the dancing, the way they seem to fall in love. It began moving every woman in the audience. Some men watched the drama from a different perspective—appreciating the radiant youth of Kate Winslet, who was truly a rose in the film, so bright, so fiery in her beauty. Every detail Cameron captured blended seamlessly through the lens.
Billy had added subtle touches—how his body leaned closer to Kate's, how he entered her space, but did so with reverence, holding her hands with genuine devotion. His eyes sparkled with layered intentions. How could he act with such nuance? With remarkable detachment, he layered contradictory emotions into a single look. It wasn't a secret—over time, his roles had grown more immersive, each performance digging deeper into the heart of the character.
–So, the ending then?– Monica asked.
Now fully absorbed in the love story, they reached the part where the Titanic hits the iceberg—a violent impact that begins flooding the ship, lives hanging in the balance. But not before those famous scenes, where Billy's performance and the intimacy of the moment shine—a vivid, provocative sequence that, without a doubt, served as a powerful hook.
–It's a love story in every sense,– Billy said, knowing that the best love stories end either in old age or in death. Because love… love is that moment of communion between two people who willingly give each other time, and in doing so, entrust their hearts to one another.
–Then I hope it doesn't come to that,– Monica whispered, now visibly moved.
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