James was focused, the atmosphere was intense, and the actors were pletely in their element, pushing their performao the limit. It was astounding how, despite their exhaustion, the actors retaihat spark that made every se extraordinary. Billy’s role was subtle; his charming face added a yer of meaning, filling the page with charisma and making people yearn to withe end of the retionship. A love story was unfolding, crafted through details that some might overlook, but for those meticulous enough to observe every li was evident they were meant for each other.

  -I think we o this se,- James remarked heavily. -We o finish this se today!-

  -But everyone’s exhausted, James,- someone replied.

  -If we finish the se, they rest all weekend. Anyway, we o fix a few details—the 1905 model car has arrived,- Cameron interjected.

  -In three days, at least that’s what they’re saying from Fox,- ented an older woman, one of the silent producers who didn’t even appear in the credits but was vital to the project.

  -Good, perfect, more than perfect. Let’s finish these ses today. We’ll hahe rest on Monday—regardless of the kid’s state, it doesn’t matter,- Cameron said, gng at the camera and the boy’s artistic perfe.

  Take some coffee; he’ll be up all night. He ’t stop thinking about the film, overhearing the murmurs around him. But the promise of a full weekend of rest is enough. Some already head home, though a few shots with extras remain—nothing unearned, but that’s just the way things are.

  -Everyone’s in position,- someone informed Cameron, who, in the vil set, found renewed energy, eager to see the ink e to life on video.

  ...

  Se 30, Take 1.

  CUT TO THE RECEPTION ROOM ON DECK D, as the group desds for dihey enter Molly Brown, dazzling in a beaded gown, with her broad shoulders and ample bust. Molly smiles when she spots Jack. As they ehe dining room, she walks beside him and speaks in a low voice:

  MOLLY: It’s nothing, is it, Jack?

  It’s a whispered question, prompting Billy to respond with a sly smile—arroga faintly amused. Cameron, watg from his chair, is captivated. Everyone remaiively quiet. Monica, from a safe distance, feels almost as though the ship’s motion were real, even as it’s firmly grouhough not a theater, two things are evident: they don’t o speak loudly anymore, and the sound equipment capture it all.

  JAbsp;Just dress like a pallbearer and keep your nose in the air.

  MOLLY: Remember, the only thing they respect is money, so act like you’ve got plenty and belong to the club.

  As they move through the crowd, Rose leans toward him, pointing out notable figures in hushed tones.

  ROSE: That’s tess Rothes over there. And that’s John Jacob Astor—the richest man on the ship. His little wife, Madeleine, is my age and in a delicate dition. Look at how she tries to hide it. Quite the sdal.

  (Pointing discreetly to a couple) The girl tinues, whispering.

  Over there are Sir o and Lucile, Lady Duff-Gordon. Among her many talents is designing risqué lingerie, quite popur with royalty. Cal engages in versation with o Duff-Gordon and el Gracie, while Ruth, the tess, and Lucile discuss fashion. Rose lightly sps Jack to draw his attention to another impeccably dressed couple.

  ROSE: And that’s Benjamin Guggenheim and his mistress, Madame Aubert. Mrs. Guggenheim is at home with the children, of course.

  Meanwhile, Cal accepts pliments from his male peers, whard Rose as a prize horse on dispy.

  SIR O: Hockley, she’s stunning.

  GRACIE: Cal’s a lucky man. I know him well, and luck’s the only expnation.

  Ruth approaches, catg the st remark, and coquettishly takes Cal’s arm.

  CAL: Thank you.

  RUTH: How could you say that, el? Caledon Hockley is quite the catch.

  The party walks toward the dining room, passing the Astors as they cross the ornate double doors.

  ROSE: JJ, Madeleine, I’d like to introduce you to Jack Dawson.

  ASTOR: (shaking hands) Pleased to meet you, Jack. Are you one of the Boston Dawsons?

  JAbsp;No, actually, the Chippewa Falls Dawsons.

  JJ nods as if he’s heard of them, then looks puzzled.

  Madeleior appraises Jad whispers childishly to Rose.

  MADELEINE: Such a shame we’re both engaged, isn’t it?

  “Cut,” Cameron whispers, ending the take. They film the se twice more, with one error leading to a fourth take. That’s how things were in Los Ahe City of Angels—where recs often required three or four takes. Cameron’s reprimands fell on others, but Billy observed that the director’s r outbursts were sometimes necessary. O, only one person was in charge, and that was the director.

  Billy approached Monica, who now waited for him on a small two-person chair, her feet resting on the armrests.

  -One more se, and we head to San Jose,- Billy said, her a gentle kiss.

  -Don’t worry, my love,- Monica replied. - I’ve enjoyed watg how a renowned direakes everything look so difficult yet simple. plicated yet straightforward. Those little details captivate me—it’s glorious, far more so than runways or ercials. It’s just beautiful.-

  -We’ll talk more about it ter, - Billy said, taking a sip of water. Kate Wi watched everything from afar. There was something about Billy she liked—something ptonic. She didn’t sider herself beautiful or charming.

  Se 31, Take 1.

  INT. DINING ROOM.

  A ballroom-like setting, vibrant and illuminated by a steltion of deliers, teeming with elegantly dressed people and the beautiful music of the small orchestra led by WALLACE HARTLEY. As Rose and Jater and make their way to their table, Cal and Ruth at their side, we hear...

  Near Ruth.

  RUTH: Tell us about third-css aodations, Mr. Dawson. Are they quite good on this ship?

  WIDER: THE TABLE. Jack is seated across from Rose, fnked by Cal and Thomas Andrews. Also at the table are Molly Brown, Ismay, el Gracie, the tess, Guggenheim, Madame Aubert, and the Astors.

  JAbsp;Best I’ve seen, ma’am. Hardly any rats at all.

  Rose subtly signals Jaove the napkin from the pte.

  CAL: Mr. Dawson is joining us from the third css. Last night, he was of great assistao my fiancée.

  (Looking at Jack with disdain, the actor pys the dession perfectly.)

  This is foie gras—goose liver. We see whispers exged. Jack bees the target of furtive gnces. Now everyone feels daringly liberal.

  GUGGENHEIM: (quietly, to Madame Aubert) What does Hockley hope to prove by bringing that... bohemian... here?

  WAITER: How do you take your caviar, sir?

  The waiter addresses Jack, but Cal answers.

  CAL: Just a touch of lemon… (smiling at Jack) It pairs better with champagne.

  JAo caviar for me, thanks. (Smiling at Cal) Never cared for it much.

  He g Rose with a poker face, but she beams at him with admiration.

  RUTH: Where do you live exactly, Mr. Dawson? Who is Jack Dawson?

  JAbsp;Well, right now, my address is the RMS Titanic. After that, I’m oy good terms with wherever the wind takes me.

  Sads are served. Jack picks up the fish fork. Rose watches and grabs the sad fork, signaling him with her gaze. Jack switches forks.

  RUTH: Do you find that rootless existence appealing?

  JAbsp;Well, the world’s a big pce, and I want to see it all before I go. My father always talked about seeing the o. He died iown where he was born, never seeing it. You ’t wait around because you never know what hand life will deal you . You see, my parents died in a fire when I was fifteen, and I’ve been traveling ever sihat kind of thing teaches you to take life as it es and make every day t.

  Molly Brown raises her gss in a toast.

  MOLLY: Well said, Jack.

  EL GRACIE: (raising his gss) Hear, hear.

  Rose raises her gss and looks at Jack.

  ROSE: To make it t.

  Ruth, irritated by Jack’s success in the versation, presses him further.

  RUTH: And how do you mao travel, Mr. Dawson? What means do you have?

  JACK: I get by w from pce to pce—steamships and the like. I won my Titanic ticket with a lucky hand at poker.

  (Looking at Rose) The camera captures his gaze, making Kate tremble as she feels something primal in Billy.

  "A very lucky hand," he cludes.

  GRACIE: Life itself is a game of luck.

  CAL: A true man makes his luck, Archie.

  Rose notices Thomas Andrews sitting beside her, writing in his notebook, pletely ign the versation.

  ROSE: Mr. Andrews, what are you doing? I see you everywhere jotting in that little book. (She grabs it and reads aloud.) "Increase the number of coat hook screws from two to three!" You’ve built the world’s rgest ship, and that’s what worries you? – The girl’s thoughts are spoken aloud in her final words. –

  Andrews smiles bashfully.

  ISMAY: He knows every detail of her, doesn’t he, Thomas?

  ANDREWS: Every one of them—three million.

  ISMAY: His blood and soul are in this ship. On paper, she may be mine, but in God’s eyes, she belongs to Thomas Andrews.

  ROSE: Your ship is a marvel, Mr. Andrews, truly.

  ANDREWS: Thank you, Rose.

  We see Andrews falling under Rose’s spell.

  -Cut. -

  ...