James Cameron on Titanic at 25, casting Leo and Kate, plus the PCP-spiked chowder incident

Titanic celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Canadian director James Cameron joined Tom Power to share some behind-the-scenes stories from the film ⁠- including a chaotic night on set when dozens of the film’s cast and crew were poisoned from PCP-spiked chowder.
The Titanic celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Canadian director James Cameron tells Tom Power about the movie's enduring legacy, his fascination with technology in filmmaking, and where he gets his ambition that’s made him one of the most admired directors of the 21st century.
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[@VicenzoV]

This dude was a truck diver before he started making movies. That really makes me want to become a truck driver.

[@grimm_destroyer5566]

He also ate old big mac's lol

[@XstonedmonkeyzX]

Elvis was also a Truck Driver lol

[@A.Netizen.Since.2010]

..Yeah. . .he worked as a truck driver & a cleaner. .during his college days...Also, did a course on scuba diving earlier in his life....He's the only human + a Hollywood filmmaker who went to the deepest known point on earth 👉🏼 the 'Challenger Deep'. .which's located in Mariana Trench, about 36,000 miles down the Pacific ocean...ALL ALONE...Back in 2012 I guess... . 😉

[@pbhoulden8212]

James Cameron is amazing. He was a self taught director. Other than a few credits at a community college, he never went to actual film school. He was working as a truck driver in LA in 1977 when he went and saw a little movie called "Star Wars." He walked out of it a changed man, determined to become a filmmaker. So he went to the public library, photocopies pages out of books written by film directors and read other countless books to read techniques. He also went to a thrift store and bought an old movie camera for a few bucks, took it home and learned all the parts, took it apart then put it back together to learn the basic mechanics. Within a year or two he was working as a production assistant on cheap B-grade sci fi films hardly anyone would see, but he didn't care, it was his first foot through the door in Hollywood. Two decades after "Star Wars," he's onstage at the Academy Awards winning Best Picture and Best Director. Wow!

[@noka1979]

​@@A.Netizen.Since.201036,000 miles 😁🦄

[@alexandriacosta2229]

This interview needs to blow up more because it is hands down one of the best interviews with him I've ever seen. I love James Cameron, and you did an amazing job interviewing him.

[@oiaiofoster4775]

So ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ The Interview!!!!!!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@fans-ed1td]

I wish he had asked some fresher questions. A lot of these questions he already spoke about in other interviews.

[@ShitWrangler]

33

[@user-og2wt3le4j]

Tom Power is a great interviewer. He has also done great interviews with musicians. It's something about Tom being a musician himself.

[@MountainCat1M]

@@user-og2wt3le4j partially because he's a Newfoundlander!

[@sugarmice]

This guy did such a great interview. You could tell Jim was very engaged and enjoying the conversation.

[@danielnichols5632]

Interviewer was trying too hard, just act naurally is the best way

[@davidjoe3368]

With Titanic, you knew how the story would end, but the way Cameron created a love story, and stuck it into the original story of the tragedy of the Titanic, was very clever, and really helped keep the attention of audiences. I found myself dazzled by the Movie, and saddened by the tragedy, all over again! If the Story had not been partly based on a true story, you would almost think it was a James Cameron original Screenplay. In my opinion, Titanic is one of those Movies, that could literally be laid to rest, thanks to James Cameron! No need to ever make another one! It's that good!

[@josipmladin8517]

What makes Titanic unique and such a favorite among viewers is not only its excellent production and acting, but also the powerful emotional story that delights viewers. The film's ability to convey deep feelings of love, loss, hope and despair leaves a deep impression on viewers and helps them connect with the characters and their stories. All in all, Titanic is one of the best movies ever made, boasting incredible production, amazing acting and beautiful music, but most of all, an amazing story that sinks deep into the hearts of the audience.

[@Educatingben]

Not to mention the most historically correct movie based on the evidence at the time

[@kylosun]

ChatGPT wrote that comment

[@jorgevillavicencio427]

I agree with all points except storyline and screenplay. There are plenty of very interesting and well documented stories of love, death, and survival, which would have been a lot more appropriate and respectful to the victims rather than a contrived love story of two fictional characters. For instance, Isadore and Ida Strauss, the owners of Macy's department stores. As much as I enjoy Cameron's Titanic, A Night to Remember, is a better movie. Had they the technology in 1952, it would have been a superior film.

[@justanothercomedian2180]

“Sinks deep into the hearts” AHHHHHHHHH I SEE WHAT YA DID THERE 👏🏼😂🤣 Good on ya lad.

[@Dime_time333]

​@@justanothercomedian2180it's a bot, not a lad

[@TheShadowrun.]

lovely interview, Cameron even dropped some wisdom and lessons in life. well done Tom, great interview.

[@captainAlex258]

u should check out expedition bismarck

[@Educatingben]

To This day when I watch Titanic it doesn’t seem like it’s three hours. That last half of the movie is nail biting and leg shaking and foot tapping suspense. Always a great film to watch.

[@herbertndekiii228]

First movie I have ever watched in a movie theater, in Douala Cameroon, small coastal town in Central Africa. I remember asking my older brother, who lived in Turkey at the time , to send me money so I could go to the theater to see this movie… I waited 2 hours in line to get in the theater, I was maybe 16 years old… I will never forget it. And Celine Dion!!!!!” My heart will go on “ is still playing on repeat on my Apple Music play list… let’s talk about love, the album, also iconic

[@eliigastelum]

this is so beautiful!! the movie was so impactful to many! much love ❤

[@galmanferguson]

Awww. That's so sweet of your brother. My brother would never lol

[@elenasingleterry5854]

Yes! I was 14 when it first came out and also waited in a long line - maybe an hour to get a ticket for a showing three days later. The line extended all the way around the block. And of course when buying the ticket I had no idea that kind of experience I was going to get three days later. The kind that still makes me go see this movie whenever it is rereleased.

[@A.Netizen.Since.2010]

@@elenasingleterry5854 ..Have you seen the latest 4K 3D re-mastered version?. .re-released on 10th Feb, 2023 in some selected theaters...To celebrate its 25th anniversary... . 🙂

[@elenasingleterry5854]

@@A.Netizen.Since.2010 I have in NYC, going again this weekend:).

[@markbutler9076]

i love jim cameron so much...what an amazing mind...i could listen to his stories for hours

[@freakforce]

Really great interview. I could listen to Cameron speak for hours, and the way you guided the conversation but also let him talk was great. Can't wait for part II

[@embeth446]

The part at 18:12 where he starts talking about how uncertainty makes you better especially asking yourself what can go wrong. He even relates it to deep ocean projects. Crazy how this conversation goes there, not knowing all the interviews he’d be giving about the ocean gate Titan. This perfectly highlights the difference between James Cameron and Stockton Rush, who had zero uncertainty in the world and and a dangerous confidence in his own decision making to the point that he ignored important information.

[@warrengday]

One of. the best interviews I've seen with Jim. Great talk about uncertainty and his thinking.

[@craigbuchan]

Jimmy is great!

[@sdot5389]

His real friends call him Jimmers

[@CarlosCruz-ll5ez]

James Cameron is a freaking genius

[@mactocmo]

I have always seen Cameron as ambitious for ambitious sake. But I get to understand and appreciate his values even more because of this interview.

[@Celfcool]

I admire James Cameron so much

[@pranjaldubey2306]

Well watched it on Friday in IMAX...and it was pure magic 😍🙌🏻... ThankYou Cameron!!! ❤️🙌🏻

[@-MohammedElSyed-]

Original soundtrack rocks.

[@ryans413]

You can tell Cameron loves to talk Titanic

[@kimjay481]

There is something innately magical about James Cameron. But this interviewer is equally magical. Simpatico = pure interview magic. Thank you!

[@zodiac909]

James Is a living legend. My fascination for this story never ends, especially when new information about what happened pops up. This interview was spot on. Well done from Toronto! ❤❤

[@Lorimars319]

I have so much respect for James Cameron. He’s lived such a meaningful fulfilled and amazing life. Truly a man of intelligence and wisdom.

[@mmven1101]

Excellent interview! Mad respect for James Cameron. Titanic is truly a masterpiece of filmmaking and it is today just a magnificent as when I first saw it in 1998

[@briellejade._]

Titanic will always be one of my favorite movies of all time. I could rewatch daily and not get tired of it

[@whitecornelia12]

Me too

[@shelleylee3786]

what a amazing interview, James Cameron gave you all the answers to your questions.Thank you.

[@maliamarin5718]

The gift of the interviewer is allowing the subject to speak! 👏 good job!

[@Littlestephy29]

Phenomenal interview. James Cameron is a hugely inspirational person and this interview was one of his most candid ones. Really enjoyed it & got great wisdom.

[@reptongeek]

Why did Titanic need to be released on two VHS tapes in the US. We managed in the UK to put the entire film on one tape

[@manacloud618]

james cameron is an incredible film maker.

[@taracameron3603]

There will never be a movie like Titanic ever again! It hits you like a ton of bricks in such a good way tho and not only an amazing story line but it also captures the real lives and what these poor souls went through and if anything it's a beautiful tribute ❤ I seen it as soon as it came out and to this day it's still my favorite movie ❤❤❤

[@ditzydoo04]

I love Cameron’s motto of “fail so hard that everyone is surprised” 😂 😂

[@drumgk]

Really good but too short because you need at least 2 hours with James Cameron. He has accomplished so much in his life that you could write a Netflix series.

[@tatulialpaidze8162]

He is a legend,amazing and the best film maker🥰

[@allisonle8596]

Casting Léo and Kate made the movie. Their chemistry was off the charts

[@NellyGandhella]

Any number of actors could have played their roles and it would have been great

[@jackiemcfarlane5320]

I could listen to james cameron all night

[@BDavis820]

Incredible interview. I’ve been to the cemetery in Halifax it’s very moving. Love Titanic so much. I’m glad you asked him how he got interested in the story.

[@marsrideroneofficial]

The song by James Horner and Wil Jennings and sang by Celine Dion played a huge part of making the Titanic movie a success.

[@oldrestless]

Part of it, it was a perfect mix.

[@bev9708]

EXCELLENT interview!! Well done Tom!!!

[@johnnyleopard2668]

Im such a fan of James Cameron. One of the greatest creative minds of our time. Also, fantastic interview with great questions! Your really good at this! Rooting for your success!

[@saramealing740]

a tiny slip in/homage in the film that i love pointing out is well james cameron is from Chippewa which is in Niagara Falls Ontario and in the film when Astor is introduced to Jack he asks him if "hes with the Boston Dawson's" to which Jack replies "no im with the Chippewa Falls Dawsons". lol. always thought it was a neat touch and addition including Cameron's home town and as someone who lives in niagara falls/Chippewa Ont. its really cool to see in film. the Chippewa welcome to sign coming in and out of town reads "home of james cameron". i see this sign daily and is really cool and i think of that scene everytime i read that sign.

[@patrick1564]

Once you see the scene where everyone's boarding the ship in Southampton, all the hustle and bustle and excitment, you know it's going to be a grand film.

[@reah76]

I admire James Cameron dedication to titanic he's such a fascinating person

[@danwat1234]

I think 1 of the reasons why they hadn't realized the potential is because they hadn't finished the soundtracks and Sissle humming during the emotional scenes and transitions, it amplified everything. TY to the late James Horner

[@robduncan2816]

"fail above everyone elses goals" man, i am stealing that mode of thinking

[@mydecember8544]

What a Great person we are living on Earth with! So passionate and professional. Thank you James Cameron from the bottom of my heart.

[@johnsr1975]

James Cameron is brilliant

[@curtiso779]

it's amazing that this one incredible man has created 3 of the top 5 most successful movies of all time.

[@giselestrauch5146]

I can not believe that it is 25 years since this movie made

[@screenwriterabdullahh.erak2778]

Thank you for this. Your interview = answers which are full of inspiration for us filmmakers.

[@57z]

Incredibly authentic way of asking questions. You treated him like a dude you met at a bar after two drinks. Just were yourself and he responded in-kind. I hope you have him back on and you talk about T2

[@fractalfemale]

I really like this man. He seems so down to earth and genuine

[@imagiraffe2848]

I wish there was a bts video of Kate yelling "SHOOOT!!" At James Cameron😂😂

[@adisiowy]

I love him. He is my favorite director. Two days ago I watched “Titanic” on IMAX and it was the best experience in my entire life ❤ Thank you James Cameron for making my childhood!!! Thank you for “Titanic” ❤

[@billium99]

Cameron's been at the top of the game for decades. Check out Aliens for his true masterpiece. 😊

[@adisiowy]

@@billium99 I know his every single movie ❤️ Aliens ❤️

[@JoseyWales44s]

@@billium99 Cameron's masterpieces and his filmography are basically the same list. He hasn't directed a film that wasn't five stars. Only he and Tarantino have not directed a film that I did not thoroughly enjoy.

[@histubeness]

@@JoseyWales44s Disagree. His first film "Piranha 2: The Spawning" was nowhere near "five stars", by his own admission.

[@JoseyWales44s]

@@histubeness Hehehe....I stand corrected. I admit I wasn't counting "Piranha 2: The Spawning". It was, I believe his first film and was simply brought in to direct, with no control over the final product. If I recall correctly, he broke into the editing room to make some changes that the producers had refused to allow him to make. Given the lack of creative control, I would not count it as one of his own films. That list really started with "The Terminator".

[@Robil63]

Wonderful interview - they just seem to get better and better.

[@robroy488]

Cant remember where i first watched most movies but i remember where and when i watched Titanic! Also, i remember the matrix was a great first watch that I'll never forget.

[@laratheplanespotter]

I’ve been obsessed with this movie since I saw it in the cinema (underage, 3 months before I was 12 at that lol). Still obsessed. But not just with the movie but Titanic as a whole subject. Then just last month when I went to the Titanic Belfast exhibition I find out that my great great uncle died on the ship? Jim is a fantastic filmmaker and his take on the more recent event is perfect.

[@mrnapolean1]

James Cameron is a living legend.

[@jlethal1983]

You are an excellent interviewer sir, very well done. I thoroughly enjoyed this and adore all of James Cameron's work

[@giggling_boatswain]

2:54 When James Cameron filmed the Titanic on a Russian scientific ship, he met Anatoly Sagalevich, the designer of deep-sea submersibles. Anatoly lamented in passing that there is too much violence, shooting and all that in modern films. It would be nice to make a film about the Titanic in a completely good perspective. And maybe then a light bulb lit up over James' head - this is a love story, of course it should be a love story.

[@jamespeters2859]

Brilliant interview from both parties. Thanks.

[@dakanoa]

You had actually a interview with JAMES CAMERON!! Whaaaaaaaaat? Such a living legend.

[@Babyhifi]

Quite simply the best director ever. And the rest know it.

[@TobiasStevens137]

This intervieuw is fantastic. Great interactions between you and James. TV-show worthy!

[@susanmctavish6639]

Amazing... all these years later and people did the same thing with Avatar 2 saying it was going to be a huge bomb. And, yes no other director would have made Titanic as ambitious and epic.

[@57z]

One minute in and Jim drops a “as you do” Sarcastic quip. Somehow I find that authentic and endearing

[@michaelcalibri3620]

I love that "we're gonna fail above everyone else's goals"

[@twinravens2000]

that bit about failure at the 16 minute point was just so cool.

[@ohjein]

I truly appreciate Cameron for talking like a human being having an open respectful conversation instead of being a professional performing an interview like so many

[@langrhcp]

Man what a great interview. So well researched and comes from the place of being a fan. Great stuff!

[@wispa1a]

That must be brilliant listening to someone's narrative of your movie.

[@fieldsofgold775]

It’s unbelievable to think that they shot the iconic bow scene in a ten minute span outdoors while the sun was setting. & they had to run to the bow of the ship 😂. I always thought that they shot that on a stage set. & he now lives in New Zealand. Wow! My home country. I’m going back there ☝️😂 His mind & how he problem solves & goes for the goal Is brilliance in action. Kudos!

[@JoseyWales44s]

That was a very entertaining and informative interview.

[@elliewillow4556]

The titanic will always be the greatest love story in film. It also is all around one of the best films in all time

[@jennadonnelly]

What a great interview, you got the best out of one the best directors ever - thank you!

[@movies_matteo7271]

8:09 He was about to say tripping balls I think lol

[@conorobrien5763]

Great interview. Great questions and answers.

[@jaredbarber5823]

Been watching JC interviews for years, and never seen him so at ease, and having fun. Tom's the JC of the interviewing world. 🎙👍

[@francinesanchez5402]

I remember seeing this in, I believe 5th grade, I don’t remember if I saw it 2 or 3x but almost all the other girls in my grade had seen it as least that many times if not more. Loved this interview!

[@perrysaker1526]

The music score helped the film!

[@Gonalitravelvlog]

Great interview!! James Cameron is just amazing 🤩

[@lbabytutorials4852]

I think James Cameron looks better now than he did 14 years ago!

[@mellow-jello]

Tom, thanks for letting me remember why I really went to see Titanic, just to see a disaster film, who knew it was the last film that had a year round run in select theatres, and hit the peak.

[@WarthogARJ]

Very good interview. Down to earth, and open. Would have been nice to ask him why he moved to NZ.

[@thegreatnative]

Weta workshop

[@lucasmarchetti-uff6515]

@@thegreatnative And Weta Digital

[@Roberto-nj5yr]

He wants to make something that rivals Lord of The Rings. Hence NZ.

[@WarthogARJ]

@@Roberto-nj5yr Makes sense, thx.

[@ChrisLeeProducer]

This was amazing to watch.

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

What a great interview. Cameron is a legend and the interviewer is bright and charming. Makes me feel good as a Canadian to reflect on some of the Canadian cultural traits mentioned. I long suspected NZ is similar.

[@herbertndekiii228]

Legendary ❤…

[@maryjanedodo]

The PCP story is pretty hilarious

[@nicp4306]

Wow this interview is a revelation. Really great interview

[@andrewlavigne44]

Great interview, Tom!

[@ashratt2526]

Thanks. It’s the most interesting itw, I’ve ever read/seen on J.Cameron. (Sorry for my bad english: I’m french...)

[@sailaab]

For someone in your mid twenties.. it is satisfying... even inspiring to see your articulation skills and thinking on your feet.. in an interview like this. It made us want MORE. It made us rewind, it made us wish that it had gone on.. longer. Thank you for keeping it engaging, well researched and yet spontaneous! and 🙂🤍lots affectionate blessings and wishes💙👌🏼👍🏼 for an even more fulfilling, peaceful future.

[@Moftoo]

This interview is fantastic!

[@michaels9595]

what a great exchange! so cool that he gave you some components at the end

[@soniaellis163]

The amount of people, myself included, who went more than once to the cinama , too see the movie makes Titanic unique , above all others.

[@bokehintheussr5033]

when I woke up this morning the last thing I was expecting to hear was James Cameron saying "You haven't lived until you've been high on PCP".

[@danwat1234]

13:30 I do not see it out of focus at all in that scene. Not at all from the bluray. It's interesting how the bow story morphs over time. Both the 2001 ET Vaults Titanic Secrets vid and the 1998 Oprah vid Cameron describes it as Kate making the first move to take advantage of that sunset although he isn't super specific, not as specific in the steps to begin filming as he is here. Being on day 10 of outdoor shots, suppose the delayed opportunity let the scene be filmed more linearly with the story timeline so Kate and Leo were fully there

[@atamagashock]

What a great discussion

[@lukamilas8648]

This was a great interview

[@favouritemoon4133]

What a great interview!

[@wallacelovecraft8942]

Don't go yet James Cameron, we still need you.

[@josecfreittas]

Amaazing interview!

[@tarepanda26]

Watched on Sat, greetings from Singapore 🇸🇬