Titanic

Like most box office hits, Titanic relies heavily on the use of music to create a powerful cinematic experience, one that will attract audiences and awards alike. More than anything else, Horner relies on themes and leitmotifs in his composer of the score. Of course the Titanic ship itself has a very dramatic leitmotif, as this is the object that the whole film is centered around. The theme is triumphant with a full orchestral sound. Ironically, this theme is not heard again after the ship hits the iceberg, a comment on its loss of magnificence.

There is also a leitmotif for the love that Rose shares with Jack. This theme is loving, soft, yet full of emotion and volume. The motif reaches its height when Jack and Rose stand together at the bow of the ship and kiss for the first time. Everyone can remember the whistling sound that ends this leitmotif and the realities of the plot encompass the lovers secret world.

Diagetic music is used, mostly notably when Jack and Rose dance together in the bottom of the ship with the poor and common people. The music playing is that of an Irish jig and everyone is dancing and having a good time. The music serves as a contrast between the fun and joy that poor people have without the frivolities of life while the aristocrats upstairs live stiffly and unhappily, though they are quite wealthy.

Titanic, like more recent films, employs a theme song, sung by Celine Dion: My heart will go on. This theme song adds the timeless and memorable quality to the film, draws in viewers and keeps them coming back. The song fits the plot perfectly, probably why it became so popular. The music in Titanic is what makes a real life story a cinematic fairytale.