When James Cameron appeared on “The Colbert Report” Thursday night, host Stephen Colbert didn’t waste much time before voicing a few concerns he had with the filmmaker’s choice of movie content.
“You’re one of these Hollywood elites, OK? Poisoning the minds of our children with your escapist fantasy movies…Case in point, ‘Titanic,’” the talk show host began after introducing himself to the director as the “world’s shallowest” man.
Colbert continued. “That movie, I think, has got a terrible message for our kids, that young women of means and breeding should go off with just some tramp they meet in steerage.”
With a nod, Cameron wittingly agreed. “Yeah…Think how much the film could have made if we’d done it right.”
Appearing on the nightly show to promote the release of his film, “Titanic 3D,” Cameron pondered alternative endings with the derisive commentator, as well as the humorous thought of a sequel. Colbert further questioned the director’s decision to add the new dimension to his blockbuster sensation.
“I’m afraid I’m going to feel like I’m drowning,” said Colbert. “Is everything in it 3D now? ... Even, like, when they’re doing it in that car? …That sweaty handprint’s coming right atcha.”
Cameron confirmed the host’s fears, though also pointing out that the steamy scene didn’t make it onto China’s screens.
“They cut it out,” he told Colbert. “They were worried Chinese men would reach out to the screen – this is true, you can’t make this up – and that it would interfere with people sitting next to them.”
Baffled, Colbert responded, “I can’t believe Chinese men have that little sex.”
After dishing more on the film, Colbert talked to Cameron about his recent deep sea dive to the bottom of the Marianas trench, which quickly turned to bickering over the geographical specifications of the channel. While the filmmaker and thrill-seeker classified it as the “middle of nowhere” or more specifically, “the Federated states of Micronesia, sir,” the political analyst felt otherwise.
“People who live there are American citizens, sir,” argued Colbert. “They have a representative in government…You’re on my turf!”
The two agreed to disagree then finished their conversation hashing over the mysterious wonders of the world Cameron spotted below. No sign of the “Kraken” or “the necklace that lady throws off the boat” in “Titanic,” unfortunately.
Do you plan to see "Titanic 3D" this weekend? Tell us about your weekend movie plans on Facebook.
Related content: