Does anyone know if Kate Winslet was the first choice for the lead role in Titanic? I read in the paper yesterday that Gwyneth Paltrow was to play the lead and turned it down to be in Great Expectations saying (and I quote) "Great Expectations has great characters and a great script. Titanic has a ship."

-- Donna Sadoway (donakyle@oanet.com), January 27, 1998

Answers

I heard that Kate Winslet begged James Cameron for the part, even sending him roses, telling him she would be his "Rose". Besides, even if Gwyenth Paltrow was James Cameron's first choice, I'm glad that Kate Winslet got the part.

-- Ashley (beaner05@ix.netcom.com), January 27, 1998.

Glad Kate got it; she was perfect in the role. One of the best performances I've seen.

-- Bob Gregorio (rgregori@pacbell.net), January 27, 1998.

I love the movie, but there were a couple of times where Rose sounded as if she was acting, like when she sees the diamond and says "good gracious". But I can't even imagine Gwyneth Paltrow playing the part. I don't know how old she is, but she could not pass for 17. I can't think of any other actresses that I would have liked to see as "Rose".

-- Mariana (msilva@igs.net), January 27, 1998.

I wouldn't have loved the movie so much if Rose wasn't played by Kate. I can't imagine somebody else as good as her.

-- Colleen (Colleendi@earthlink.net), January 27, 1998.

I read in an interview with James Cameron that when he was trying to select the right person to play Kate, he not only looked at acting ability, but also for someone who would have the right chemistry with Leo. Kate struck him as having "..the most potential." I agree 100%!

I'm surprised to hear that he considered Gwyneth Paltrow, because he also mentioned wanting to cast an "unknown." I think she also would have come across as too old (she's about 25 in real life), and I can't imagine her with Leo. I'm glad it worked out the way it did.

-- Jen Alexander (jmalexande@mofo.com), January 28, 1998.

Gwyneth Paltrow couldn't hold a candle to Kate.

-- Allison (allisonelizabeth@mb.sympatico.ca), February 07, 1998.

Boy, I bet Paltrow is kicking herself now. Just a ship? Kate, herself, is around 22, I believe, but she has such a timeless and charming quality. For a period role, there is only Kate Winslet. Incidentally, I also heard Claire Danes was considered for the role, though I can't imagine that Cameron seriously contemplated putting Dicaprio and Danes together again.

-- Rose (rosemarie17@hotmail.com), February 08, 1998.