BY LEE PFEIFFER
In an amusing article for The Washington Post writer Emily Yahr looks back on the legacy of "My Heart Will Go On", the Oscar-winning theme song from James Cameron's "Titanic" twenty years after its premiere. It's become in-vogue to express one's hatred for the song even though, as Yahr points out, the track was acclaimed when it debuted and became a massive sales phenomenon, thanks to Celine Dion's vocal skills. As with any cultural phenomenon, "Titanic"- which also won the Best Picture Oscar- has been virtually disowned by film scholars as being too corny, predictable and obvious in its attempts to pull the heartstrings. Yet, I suspect that at least some of these critics secretly still get considerable enjoyment out of the film, if not for its emotional elements, than at least for its still impressive technical aspects including Peter Lamont's brilliant production design (which also was recognized with an Oscar). In a way this may be a Hollywood version of what could be termed "The Trump Effect"- many people are too embarrassed to express their support for the film publicly but behind closed doors they fawn over it. Doubtless, there will inevitably be a backlash to the backlash and the movie and the title song will be re-evaluated favorably if only because it will become too bland and boring to be among those who knock it. I have not seen "Titanic" since 1997, which seems to indicate that my enthusiasm for the movie is somewhat diluted (I've watched Don Knotts' "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" several times over this period of time.) Yet I don't bare the film any ill will, as I remember enjoying it quite a bit. Similarly, my only gripe with "My Heart Will Go On" is that it was played so incessantly at the time of its release that there was seemingly no escape from its grip. I recall a birthday party for my daughter at which a group of ten or eleven-year-old girls were singing it passionately with misty eyes. Can you truly hate a song like that? Apparently so, according to the Washington Post article, which quotes the film's female lead, Kate Winslet as saying the track makes her want to throw up. Ouch!
Click here to read the article.