Titanic is a masterpiece. That is an undeniable fact. There are only two sides of this coin. You love Titanic or you hate Titanic. There’s no middle ground. I’ve never heard someone say they “like” Titanic. You’re all in or all out, no grey area. For me, I’m as far in as you can possibly be. To be honest, when I first saw Titanic as a kid, I didn’t care for it. It was long, sad, and dark, but keep in mind, I was seven years old. However, as I grew older and watched the film more and more, I came to appreciate its brilliance. It’s a disaster film of epic proportions from arguably the greatest director of blockbusters, James Cameron. Titanic is full of romance, action, adventure, sadness, and hope. What more could you want in a movie?
April 15 was the 108th anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Although tragic, the anniversary made me revisit the film that I have come to love and appreciate. Having seen the dozens of times, I decided to dip my pen and determine the five best and five worst characters in Titanic. Enjoy.
Also, Rose and Jack could NOT have shared the door together. I don’t want to hear your childish take on the matter. However, if you believe Rose should have switched off with Jack every 10 minutes on the door or Jack should have recovered lifejackets off of floating bodies or search for debris to lean on so his legs were out of the water, then I’m ready to listen to your argument.
5. Tommy Ryan
Tommy Ryan is a first-round selection of people I’d want to hang out with. Who wouldn’t want to hang out with a cheerful Irish lad that loves to pound beers? Tommy is the type of guy who would own season tickets to the Cleveland Browns. He probably drinks way too much at the tailgate and by the time he gets into the stadium, he’s ready to fight the first person that cuts him off in line for the urinals. Unfortunately, Tommy also makes the top five for saddest deaths in the movie.
4. Wallace Hartley And His Fellow Musicians
Gentlemen, it’s been a privilege playing with you tonight. When everyone panicked, Wallace and the boys brought out their violins and provided some sweet, soothing sounds on a ship going to hell. If I was on the Titanic in real life, I’m not sure if I would want “Nearer, My God, to Thee” playing in the background before I freeze in the Atlantic Ocean. That being said, it’s a bittersweet scene in the film.
3. Chief Baker Charles Joughin
When in doubt, get a drink. That’s exactly what Chief Baker Charles Joughin did when things turned to shit. The baker provides a few laughs in the movie because he’s always seen with a flask in his hand, but it turns out, the real Charles Joughin was an absolute legend. Joughin actually survived and if you don’t know his story, I encourage you to read it here. Contrary to popular belief, Joughin did not survive because the alcohol kept his body warm. He survived because he stayed out of the water as long as humanly possible before the sinking. When Titanic finally sank, the alcohol in Joughin’s system gave him the “liquid courage” to tread water for more than 2 hours before finding an overturned lifeboat, which he stayed on before his eventual rescue. Next time you go out to sea, bring a flask.
2. Jack Dawson
Oh, Young Leo. The man needs no introduction. I could list all of the reasons why Jack Dawson is so great, but I have a deadline. Jack was charming, funny, and so damn handsome. He might have been a petty thief, but I wouldn’t mind starting a life in America with Jack. However, if he continued to paint nude women, I’d leave him in a heartbeat.
1. Molly Brown
Molly Brown is one of the few characters to be in the “good” section. She’s the only member of the wealthy class to treat Jack with the respect and dignity he deserves. More importantly, Molly is the only person on her lifeboat to urge the crew to go back for survivors. Frankly, she’s the only rich person that’s likable in the movie! Molly is one, tough S.O.B. and gets my vote for the best character in Titanic.
