Raise the Titanic

Based on the best-selling novel by Clive Cussler, Raise the Titanic follows a group of American scientists and military personnel as they attempt the impossible: raising the famed luxury liner from its resting place in the North Atlantic Ocean. At the height of the Cold War, the U.S. government has developed a defence system that will make the country impregnable to missiles. When they learn the required "byzanium" was loaded aboard the doomed vessel, it becomes imperative that the mysterious mineral be recovered no matter what the cost.

And cost this film did. In fact, its astronomical budget for 1980 prompted producer Lord Lew Grade to remark that "it would have been cheaper to lower the Atlantic."

While many changes are made when adapting any book, Raise the Titanic's multiple screenwriters have butchered the excitement and intrigue of Cussler's work. Gone are the 1912 prelude, the fascinating race for clues to track down the ore's whereabouts, the Russian hijackers, and the entire hurricane sequence which threatens to sink the mighty ship all over again. Even the original ending has been sorely reworked.

With the exception of the superb Alec Guinness, who brings a great deal of pathos to his role as Titanic survivor John Bigalow, the acting by everyone on screen is utterly dreadful. Richard Jordan as Dirk Pitt is lifeless and anything but the charismatic hero who is the focus of Cussler's adventures. David Selby's scientist, Dr. Gene Seagram, is a cardboard cutout, while Jason Robards as Admiral Sandecker comes off as a cartoon. And the usually dependable Anne Archer adds nothing to the plot as Dana Archibald, whose character has been pared down to such an extent that she is unnecessary.

The production values are embarrassing, with a ship model and interiors that bear little resemblance to the actual Titanic. And many of the supposed period photos during the opening credits are from either the wrong ship or the wrong decade.

Thankfully, James Bond composer John Barry's triumphant and poignant score helps to float much of the action. Although director Jerry Jameson spends an inordinate amount of time roaming the seabed in search of the lost wreck, one cannot help but be moved when the Titanic breaks the ocean's surface to greet sunshine again for the first time in decades...it is a stunning scene and worth the price of admission.

Though Raise the Titanic had the potential to be a thrilling blockbuster, it is nothing but a soggy mess. Like the ship that inspired it, this film is an infamous disaster from start to finish. Rating: 4 out of 10.