Though Cal seems to be unfazed and continues to make sure self-preservation, Billy Zane’s efficiency hints that there’s extra to this egotistical jerk. Though Cal’s incapacity to unlearn the layers of poisonous masculinity and class-based entitlement is his personal failing, he’s additionally trapped within the mindset of his period. The burden of his failings is an excessive amount of to bear when he loses his wealth within the Wall Road Crash of 1929; there’s one thing tragic about somebody tying their value completely to wealth, a lot in order that they determine to stop dwelling with out it. As Cal was by no means capable of admire himself with out basing his worth on social standing, he prolonged this similar cruelty to these round him. The consequence was a smug know-it-all who threw tantrums the second he didn’t get his method, ceaselessly closed off to spontaneous feelings that plunged into the depths of humanity.

There was some discourse surrounding Cal and his villain standing in “Titanic,” the place he has been lauded as a hero as an alternative or his actions have been fully justified. I might argue the next: It’s completely attainable to acknowledge Cal because the deeply problematic, flawed antagonist who raises the stakes and nonetheless empathize together with his eventual destiny. Cal may’ve felt understandably jilted by Rose’s blatant rejection, which led to him to lashing out the way in which he did. Once more, it’s comprehensible however not justifiable.

Nonetheless, “Titanic” could be incomplete with out Zane’s Cal, as it could be half a narrative about misplaced love and the way it holds on to us for years to come back. A love story value rooting for via the ages requires a worthy foil, who manages to be sickly clean and infuriating, and a bit complicated suddenly. For higher or worse, Cal Hockley checks all of the bins.