Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Documentary Review: Titanic - Birth of a Legend

The construction of the Titanic was far from an uneventful affair. To even build hull numbers 400 and 401, the shipyard had to tear down three smaller gantries to build the two larger ones. The designers and the builders often had disagreements on the safety accommodations. There were deaths while building the two ships. Nineteen in fact, including a young boy who was still in his teens.
Of course many of us who study the history of the ship already know this. There are books that focus solely on the construction of the ship, and even the broader ones which only touch on this period in general provide some of these details. What makes this documentary is that, instead of merely regurgitating facts, actors play out the scene so that the audience can see these events play out.
The story of the men who would make up the guarantee group, a select few of the workers who would be chosen to accompany Thomas Andrews on the ship's maiden voyage, is also told. The documentary even tells the story of Titanic's construction through their eyes.
Without giving away any of the other details provided within the short running time of this program, I can report that this documentary is well worth watching. It is enjoyable, and the hour (with commercials) passes by before one realizes it. This documentary comes recommended.
Rating: 7.5/10

No comments:

Post a Comment