‘Titanic’ Scenes Were Uncomfortable for Kate Winslet, Here’s Why

‘Titanic’, the 1997 blockbuster, weaves a poignant tale around the historical tragedy of the Titanic sinking in 1912. Despite Hollywood’s creative liberties, the film’s epic romance amidst the ship’s doomed fate resonates with audiences, making it one of the highest-grossing films of all time. 

In a 2017 interview with Stephen Colbert to commemorate the film’s twentieth anniversary, Kate Winslet shared insights into her ‘Titanic’ experience. Colbert’s questions ranged from her thoughts on Céline Dion’s ‘My Heart Will Go On’ to the iconic portrait of Rose. However, the revelation that caught attention was whether Winslet caught pneumonia during filming. 

While she clarified it was hypothermia, not pneumonia, Colbert humorously remarked on how cold she must have been. Winslet explained that the extensive water scenes made it impossible to heat all the water, resulting in an authentically chilly experience.

However, battling hypothermia wasn’t the only challenge Kate Winslet faced during the demanding six-month shoot of ‘Titanic’. In a 1997 interview with the Los Angeles Times, the 22-year-old actress described the experience as an “ordeal.” 

Winslet revealed a series of hardships, including flu, a chipped elbow bone, and extensive bruises from a fall on the deck, giving her the appearance of a “battered wife.” The gruelling shooting schedule, with some days lasting up to twenty hours, took a toll, especially during night shoots. Winslet also discussed James Cameron’s intense and driven directorial style, noting his remarkable temper.

 Amidst these challenges, Winslet had a terrifying moment when she nearly drowned while filming a scene. In a sequence where Rose and Jack attempt to escape an oncoming wave, Winslet’s heavy coat snagged on a gate, submerging her in rushing water. Despite the frightening experience, Cameron’s response was simply, “OK, let’s go again,” reflecting his unwavering determination on the set. Winslet, not wanting to appear weak, persevered without complaining.

Winslet recalled a particularly challenging moment when she struggled with the air regulator, preventing her from inhaling air, leading her to swallow mouthfuls of water without the ability to resurface. After three attempts, Winslet decided to call it quits.

-Farheen Ali