In film, many world concepts can be skewed for the film’s narrative.
The romanticization of love in relationships is one concept. Looking at relationships depicted in “Titanic” or “Forrest Gump,” we see couples make greater sacrifices or commitments.
However, such portrayals continue to receive negative criticism for conveying fulfilling companionship.
Dilpreet Singh, a second-year Delta student, noted that as a fan of “Titanic,” he also understands the controversy of unrealistic companion issues.
“Real relationships are messy. Not everything has a linear path. Jack and Rose, it was an odd thing to include as a tragedy in a movie about the Titanic,” Singh said.
Among the criticisms include bashing its depiction of love and questioning the validity of the sacrifice.
Another contention point for audience viewers is that of Forrest and Jenny, who argue about unfair romance and selfishness.
Daniel Muñoz, a third-year Delta student, stated his conflicting views with understanding the pair, knowing that it is supposed to be well-meant.
“With those two, that one is a little hard to defend. But it is showing that eventually people realize the value in a relationship and taking care of it. It’s just one of those things where people don’t realize how good they have it,” Muñoz said.
A general agreement was the stance that most viewers avoid recognizing the film’s significance and overall layering theme.
“Titanic” is ultimately a story about loss and death. We’re introduced to two young adults and their romance to build up to the film’s climax.
Jack is living and experiencing many adventures, whereas Rose is without purpose and momentarily suicidal due to a restrictive lifestyle.
Through exposure to different backgrounds aboard the ship, we see a once-troubled individual regain the happiness she had lost.
The death of all the characters the audience met through Rose’s point of view doubles down on the travesty the event was.
Jack’s sacrifice is the crucial factor that determines Rose to survive and live the fulfilling life he would have wanted for himself and her.
Ultimately, the audience is reminded that life is finite, and to live long is a luxury many don’t experience, and should not take it all for granted.
Despite an easily misunderstood depiction, the pairing of Forrest and Jenny also has significance to its story.
Forrest represents the kindness within humanity and the possibility of the American Dream. Jenny represents the vulgarity of lost individuals struggling with self-acceptance that is thrown out by society as outcasts.
In this manner, they are very much the antithesis of each other.
Jenny has the underlying motive to move to forget and escape her past, acknowledging her unpleasant personality. Forrest is a patient individual who holds no grudge and is quick to forgive.
Nour Abdel-Magied, a third-year Delta student, stated his understanding of the relationship.
“It sounds like something I would do. Waiting for her and giving second chances. It does sound like a lot for a man to take on. But I definitely also think that most dudes would do that,” Abdel-Magied said.
A troubled individual from an abusive childhood whose decisions are clouded by impulsivity and self-awareness, she evokes a more realistic encounter with the real world.
The film contains characters who struggle and have to find peace. Some reach that point sooner than others, but even they are fortunate to reach a point of peace that others don’t achieve.
A point made that was agreed upon was that although movies can be unrealistic in romanticizing concepts, it is better to offer that sense of idealism to expose audiences to possibilities of enjoyment instead of bitterness.
