What question would you ask James Cameron about the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking?

Question

Movie director and explorer James Cameron will discuss the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking live on ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Wednesday, April 11. What question would you like to ask James Cameron about the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking?

Check back here for the interview. We'll provide the link with the winning questions!

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

What was the most poignant moment for you personally that truly touched your life about the disaster and being able to see the wreckage for yourself?

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Congrats Diane! The other question was from Pam, "Mr. Cameron, do you approve of bringing up artifacts from the Titanic?"

Watch the interview here: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/james-ca…

Answer 2

I am amazed at the degree of expertise being thrown into this project, and to be perfectly honest, I always assumed you were simply another famous director who wanted to pay gobs of money to "do something cool!" I just watched Final Word, and I retract, with full respect to you now, that previous assessment. But If I could ask a single question of you, do you have any plans to join Bob Ballard in saving the site as a 'sacred' ground? I would surely donate to a fund used to stop the increased damage being done to the site, as it is a site that should be explored, NOT toured. Just a thought.

Source(s):

Titanic: James Cameron's Final Word on National Geographic Channel;
Save the Titanic with Bob Ballard on National Geographic Channel.

Answer 3

I believe that the Titanic artifacts should be recovered and displayed in a proper museum dedicated to those who were lost. As I see it, the ship will continue to decay and recovery of items will prevent them from being lost forever as the ship breaks down and the hull finally collapses. For those who see it as a graveyard are sadly mistaken. The bodies that went down on the ship were lost to decay and scavengers many decades ago. The only trace of where a body landed are their shoes and any metal objects they happened to carry. My question for Mr. Cameron is : Having actually explored the ship and knowing the extent of decay at this time, Do you feel that the artifacts should be recovered? And what should be done with some of the personal effects of the passengers staterooms and still have living decendants, will they return items to the families that lost their loved ones?

Source(s):

none

Answer 4

Three quick questions if I may..

1) Would you, assuming the rights were available, be interested in doing a remake of the 1980 movie RAISE THE TITANIC?

2) What was the funniest thing that has happened to you in relation to either the movie or the dives to the wreck?

3) What was the scariest thing that has happened to you in relation to either the movie or the dives to the wreck?


and this was asked earlier, but I would also be interested in knowing if you ever find yourself dreaming you are on TITANIC.

Thank you.

Answer 5

Mr. Cameron: Only one photograph is known to exist of the iceberg that MAY have sunk the Titanic. I assume this lone photograph is well-known to you. Scene witnesses reported sighting a "...scar of red paint..." along the berg's base. The historical photograph of the suspect iceberg shows a structure which seems to be somewhat in the shape of a caved-in pyramid - a very unique shape indeed. Although the movie Titanic was extremely accurate in so many aspects relating to the historical Titanic, it seems you chose not to have the movie iceberg shaped as the true, suspect iceberg. Why did you make this decision?

Quoted section is taken from the subject photograph, within "A Night to Remember, Illustrated Edition", 1976, by Walter Lord.

Source(s):

Walter Lord, "A Night to Remember" 1976

Answer 6

What was the most difficult aspect of the Titanic to reproduce for the film?

How did the animators reconstruct the computer-graphic demonstration of the Titanic hull breakup--was it already computerized before you made the movie?

Besides having made a multi-million dollar movie, how do you think that we could best commemorate the lives of those lost in that great tragedy?

Did you have any relatives on the Titanic, and how many of the survivors/relatives of survivors have you met personally?

James, I just want to thank you for making such an excellent movie--I loved all aspects of it; the acting, special effects, music, sets, and the attention to detail you so lavishly displayed. I've seen the movie many times now. Bravo!

Answer 7

I found the following quote in my reading:
John Welshman's book "Titanic: The Last Night of a Small Town" says Lawrence Beasley, third class passenger, was in the library on the afternoon of April 14. I understand he was a science teacher. But the book refers to "two American women, both dressed in white- young, and probably friends. One had been to India and was returning by way of England, the other was a school teacher in America, a graceful woman with a distinguished air heightened by a pair of pince-nez perched on the end of her nose."
Who was this second woman, the teacher from America? Did she survive? Were there other teachers on board the Titanic and did they survive the tragedy?

Source(s):

John Welshman's book "Titanic: The Last Night of a Small Town"

Answer 8

Mr Cameron, it is said you are a stickler for detail and authenticity. Have you had a chance to examine John Chatterton, Richie Kohler and Roger Long's data that the Titanic broke apart at a much lower angle than previously believed? You dismissed Roger Long's theory early on- do you still feel he was incorrect? It stands to reason that the stern followed the bow in fairly short order to the bottom of the sea, merely sinking without standing on end as so dramatically portrayed in your movie. In light of such compelling evidence, would you have filmed the movie to depict a more realistic yet maybe less sensational sinking of the Titanic?

Source(s):

Titanic's Last Secrets, by Brad Matsen

Answer 9

I think the question about the sinking of the Titanic is the most over answered question in the history of mankind other than the subject of creation vs big bang. We know what sank the Titanic. If we were looking for bodies as a recovery effort, it might be worth the effort and expense. If we were still building ships like this, we may be able to use the info to improve the construction, but we are not.
So my question is, why piss this money away, trying to understand something that is absolutely useless to anyone, other than a few glory hounds seeking a feather in their own cap. There are many good worthwhile causes deserving of attention, and desperately in need of monies. Please allow these souls to rest in peace, and the Titanic to give way to nature's call. I would much rather hear of James Cameron donating some of his millions to build and maintain recreation centers for childrens activities and fund soup kitchens for the coming deluge of victems of Obama's economy.

Source(s):

Common sense dictates. 5 years from now, where our next meal comes from will be on our mind, as opposed to the barnacles on the Titanic.

Answer 10

The bow of the Titanic is buried 60 feet deep into the ocean floor. Can the speed at which the Titanic hit the ocean floor be determined by measuring the density of the mud at the impact area and calculating how fast the ship hit (given it's weight) in order to bury it 60 feet in the mud? Could this impact have caused the ship to break apart and collapse at the mid section? Is it possible given the ship was almost completely flooded that most of it would have followed the bow to the ocean floor causing it to break apart in the mid section upon impact? I would love to see these questions explored and the conditions recreated in a scale test.
Have any human remains been discovered during any of the submersible dives inside the ship? I know they would never be shown publicly out of respect for the souls that lost their lives on that tragic night but I am curious.

Answer 11

Sir, a woman who survived the sinking of Titanic and was twelve gave testimony that she observed all four funnels when she heard a loud explosion. This is when she testified the ship broke apart. She demonstrated with her hands and fingers that two funnels went right and two went left. Seems she is being ignored. Every time I see the sinking the front funnel is gone and the second submerged. She clearly used all four funnels to reference the ship split apart. Leaves me to believe the ship was indeed at a low angle when she split. Did the boilers there explode aiding in the separation of the ship. Also, is there access inside the ship to see the iceberg damage?

Answer 12

Mr. Cameron, are you surprised to see your film, Titanic, still topical in relation to today's disgust with the top 1% wealthy class that was portrayed as superficial and selfish while the 99% are left without a lifeboat and have to bailout for the sins of the few?
Is it any coincidence that your film's 15th anniversary dovetails with the reoccurring themes found in the Hunger Games that the rich are a oppressive regime, and that political undertones of rebellion that attract the wish-fulfillment of majority poor movie-goers?

Answer 13

I was curious as to why you re-created the "last song" scene with Wallace Hartley playing "Bethany," rather than "Horbury (Two versions of "Nearer My God, To Thee")? Hartley was British, and it would be extremely unlikely he would know the "Bethany" version well enough to play it. It would have been more likely for him to have played either the "Horbury" version, as depicted in the film "A Night To Remember," starring Kenneth More, or another version called "Propior Deo."

Source(s):

"A Night to Remember" and "The Night Lives On," by Walter Lord.

Answer 14

Did you ever consider that releasing the 3-D version of the Titanic was disrespectful to the victims and even survivors by sensationalizing this tragic incident? That's my question. My opinion is that it is so obviously disrespectful by providing the audience with an up-front and in-your-face perspective which is simply morbid. When we are all dead and gone will some director make a 3-D version of the 9-11 incident with the planes hitting the Pentagon, ground, and towers---with floors collapsing on people, or poor souls jumping out of windows? Nobody is more respectfully fascinated with the Titanic than I am in terms of history and lessons learned, and I appreciate all of your research, but Mr. Cameron, making it 3-D turns it into an amusement ride to excite the viewers. So if you can answer my question, I'd appreciate it.

Answer 15

Robert Ballard is wanting to save the Titanic by stopping subs from going down to the wreak site and recovering objects and using unmanned robots. He claims the over diving has began to destroy what is left of the ship and he wants international protection. He also wants "paint" the hull of the with the same type of paint they use to keep working ships from rusting and he feels it will help protect the ship. I would like to know your take on this subject and would you, if you agreed with him help him in protecting the ship from people and would you help finance an operation in helping preserve the ship. Would you stop people from taking objects from the wreak site and selling them during any auction?

Answer 16

In a documentary it is proposed that the Titanic was switched out for her sister ship the Olympic because the Olympic had been in a collision with a British Cruiser and the keel was bent and would not pass a future Maritime Inspection and was considered totaled. The closing 5 minutes of this documentary shows that the port side bow nameplate has rusted and under the riviited nameplate a portion had fallen off and the letters YMP appear under the Titanic nameplate. This was supposedly discovered by a French dive a few years ago. What is your take on this?

Source(s):

The documentary " Why They Sank The Titanic". is available on the internet.

Answer 17

Of the hundreds of real stories, or points of view, you could have used in the movie Titanic, why did you choose to make people up? Moreover, why did you choose to have your fictional characters interact with historical figures? I understand your "could have been true" angle and your desire to create a story people could follow but there were many real life stories you could have told that would have been more interesting and still created an emotional bond with the viewer.

Source(s):

History.

Answer 18

I swear these are some of the dumbest, most clueless questions anyone could think of. "Is there a case for raising the Titanic?" Sure, an ocean liner broken in two, rusting to bits on the ocean floor, like anyone COULD raise it. "Will you make another movie where the Titanic makes it to New York?" Oh sure, that would be wonderful. "Why didn't you include the story of the black man who died on the Titanic?" Maybe because this story has nothing to do with what color anyone was so why introduce race into it? "What were the names of the Titanic's sister ships and what happened to them?" Now THAT is a mystery... hmm... if only there were "the Internet", and "Google"... such mysteries could be solved! People, people, people...

Answer 19

Mr. Cameron, do you approve of bringing artifacts up from the Titanic? I think of the Titanic being like the USS Arizona and should be a sacred burial site. After reading the latest on this majestic ship in National Geographic....where they say there were many 3rd class passengers trapped and alive as it spiraled to the ocean floor (can't imagine the horror they experiences within their last hours of their lives).....I'm personally upset certain personal items such as a watches, shoes, bracelets and more are removed from the carnage.

I've watched every movie, read every board and magazine, and viewed every Television program. I don't want to go down to see the Titanic or ever hold in my hands any object that went down with her. May they all rest SOMEDAY in peace, quiet, and out of view. Thank you for reading my questions and feelings regarding the above.

Pam

Answer 20

I don't think that we should disturb the site of the Titanic to bring it up from it's death, there were many souls who were trapped inside of the Titanic so this is their grave, further more I do NOT feel that we should be buying and selling things that belong to the dead, it's like grave robbers, and it's illegal on land, why isn't it illegal in our ocean? Treasure is different, who knows who the treasures really belong to, but people are buy and selling personal artifacts that really belong to the descendents of the Titanic passengers. The Titanic sank 100years ago, it’s a lesson learned and a tragedy, but I feel like it’s time to lay it to rest, and leave it alone for ever.

Source(s):

Jack Phillips

Answer 21

Hello Mr. Cameron: I have read several books about the "Titanic" as I have been a fan for many years since my youth.I would like to ask your opinion and also your theory about my question to you. We all know how the real Titanic had a accident with the iceberg. As you are aware with the way the Titanic slide by the iceberg on its starboard side causing the interior compartments to start to fill up with water. As like your own boat in your awesome movie shows how the water filled up to each compatment and went over into the next one. My question to you sir is the following. What would have happened if they DIDNOT flip the switch to close all of the water compartments? I ask you this as I fimly feel that if they had not flipped that switch, I think the Titanic would have settled evenly and given the ship more time for rescue in saving more lives. Please let me know if you feel this is a good appropriate question to ask as I have always thought this could have saved a lot more lives. I hope to hear your response to this question. I thank you for your valuable time. My email address is [e-mail] Best regards ! Sincerely yours, RandyP. Brin

Source(s):

Many books I have read have never touched on this theory or idea. I have read quite a few and even Walter Lord never even considered or discussed this possibility in his books. I would be courious to get your feeback on this question. Thanks !

Answer 22

You DO know the rudder was NOT too small right?

That is a myth that is busted by suppressed witness statements and the Olympic Class' own performance during sea trials. They didn't see the iceberg until they were less than 900 feet away. They turned the rudder immediately and the crew stated that the engines weren't able to go into full reverse until the collision started so the "dirty" wash over the rudder didn't make any sort of impact.

The Olympic class begins to turn almost immediately before engines are slowed in order to reverse. In the distance stated in official reports,and the distance depicted in the film the Titanic would have cleared the iceberg with plenty or room to spare. Seeing as the Titanic had no trouble swinging the stern around after the collision began, it does NOT fit with the theory that reversed engines hampered her turning ability.

A two point turn like that could be accomplished by the Olympic class in 25 seconds rather than 37 seconds as has been believed for a century. She was MUCH closer than most than the official story states. She performed as she should have. It was entirely human error, and not rudder performance that lead to her demise and the loss of over 1,500 people.

Source(s):

http://titanic-model.com/db/db-02/rm-db-…

Proof is basic math, and my study of Titanic over the course of twenty years.

Answer 23

From watching Save the Titanic with Bob Ballard and your own show about Titanic last night I was wondering, will Titanic remain underwater for another 100 years. From the show last night I heard people that pay $60,000 to go see Titanic in Russia submarines land on Titanic and Titanic is wearing away. If this continues will Titanic be permanently ruined or worse decompose into the ocean floor over time.

Source(s):

My information is from The National Geographic Channel, Save The Titanic With Bob Ballard which was on April 9th, 2012.

This is the website: http://natgeotv.com/uk/save-the-titanic-with-bob-ballard

Answer 24

What is your opinion of several premonitions that the Titanic would sink? I'm especially interested in the piece published in 1898,"The Wreck of the Titan; or Futility," in which a liner that was called unsinkable, traveling from England to New York with 2,000 aboard (only 200 fewer than on Titanic, 14 years later), hits an ice berg and sinks. It had several similarities to the Titanic. In your opinion, was this ESP? Thanks, Joe Bauman

Source(s):

"Titanic: The Legend of the Unsinkable Ship," by Beau Riffenburgh. It's the 2012 edition, published by Metro Books, New York.

Answer 25

do you think that of the 15,000 or so people that it took to build the titanic, tomas andrews should have taken more effort to design the titanic like his layout of olympic? do you think it was worth disregarging tomas andrews original argument to put in more lifeboats for more room on the upper deck? in your opinion was it ethical for the guarantee group to stay on and go down the ship that they worked so hard to build? with the knowlage you know now would you go back and fix the somewhat smaller details that you missed in your movie if you had the oppurtunity to do so?

Source(s):

http://www.titanic-titanic.com/

Answer 26

Mr. Cameron, I was so impressed with your research and deep interest in the Titanic when I watched the National Geographic special this last week. You are a totally dedicated person and have allowed millions of others to share in this fascinating piece of history by your effort. My question is, why don't you as a wealthy individual buy or be part of a group that ends up buying the artifacts, related intellectual property, intangibles and salvor rights that are being auctioned/sold by RMS Titanic, Inc? I just can't fathom your not being interested or any ultimate buyer not wanting you to be part of the team.

Answer 27

One aspect of the Titanic disaster that has always puzzled me is--How long did it take for the ship to reach the bottom of the sea? If it takes submersibles two hours to descend to the wreck, obviously under controlled circumstances, I have always wondered about how fast the great ship was sinking.

The Titanic has always fascinated me since having seen the grave of Dr. Minahan(reportedly crushed by the collapse of funnel 1) decorated with a White Star Line flag while living in Green Bay, WI.

Source(s):

Personal

Answer 28

I am a huge fan of all of the many Titanic movies, your's included. I have also hosted Titanic dinner parties in my home, where my guests and I have feasted on the same food that the passengers ate on their ill-fated voyage. From what you have uncovered in your research, what was the last song that the White Star Orchestra played as the ship was sinking? Some say "Song d' Automne" as some suggest or, "Nearer my God to Thee?"

Thank you,

Ted

Answer 29

What was the song the band played as the ship went down? It was not "Nearer My God to Thee" as what was originally thought.

Source(s):

Yahoo showed a piece where a survivor was interviewed in 1912. Titanic's junior wireless operateor Harold Bride told the New York Times, while aboard the rescue ship Carpathia soon after the catastrophe, that the final song was "Autumn," likely referencing the popular waltz at the time "Songe d'Automne.

Answer 30

Would you be willing to contribute to making the wreck site a protected site? For instance, lobbying World courts to declare it a gravesite like the Arizona. Also, setting up safeguards such as monitored alarms and robotic devices, to keep the wreck site from being plundered by private companies. I would think you and Robert Ballard have both made so much money from Titanic, you could combine resources to give back something to preserve and protect it, if for no other reasons than respect for the victims and their families, and preservation of history.

Answer 31

I have absolutely NOTHING to ask him...I am a maritime historian and I have spent over 14 years studying the Olympic class liners and am hoping my book series about Titanic will be completely finished by the end of the year. This is just a statement...no questions for him...after spending all these years studying these ships, he can't answer anything that I don't already know myself after thousands of hours of writing and research (and yes, this is my first maritime project and it is very huge!)
Thank you.
Julianne Annemarie Troutman
Maritime Historian