Time passed quickly, and it had already been more than half a month.
With Cameron's full cooperation, the filming progressed smoothly, and most of the scenes at the Rosarito set had been completed in this time.
However, Dunn Walker had allocated a full month for the remaining scenes because they were the core of the entire film—the scenes that would draw viewers to the theaters and make them cry willingly.
The water scenes!
While the water scenes in *Titanic* were not numerous, they were the essence of the film. Yet filming in water was extremely challenging and grueling.
Even with a month allotted for these scenes, Dunn Walker wasn't confident they'd finish on schedule. Cameron believed it would take at least 50 days to shoot these scenes.
Dunn Walker sighed; what worried him most was not the tight schedule but whether Kate Winslet could endure it.
There were several parts of the water scenes. Some could be shot in a controlled swimming pool, where warm water could be used, which was easier to manage.
But most of the scenes required a massive amount of water.
For instance, the scene where seawater floods into the ship's cabin required at least three full container loads of water. How could the crew heat such a large volume of water?
It was already October, and the river water temperature was just over 20 degrees Celsius (68°F). No one could withstand long exposure to such cold water—especially not the lead actress, "Rose," who had many of these scenes.
After much thought, Dunn Walker decided to start with the simpler scenes in the swimming pool. The scene involved "Jack" and "Rose" floating on the freezing ocean surface after the ship's breakup, a moment of life and death.
This scene demanded powerful acting and an emotional connection—a love so fierce that it erupted like fire even in the cold ocean.
Luckily, the swimming pool had warm water.
---
"I love you, Jack."
"Don't say that. There's no goodbyes. Keep holding on, do you understand?"
"I'm so cold."
"Rose, you'll make it through this. You'll have lots of babies and watch them grow. Then you'll die an old lady, warm in your bed. Not here, not tonight, not like this... Do you understand?"
"My body... it's going numb."
Hearing this, Dunn Walker sighed. "Cut! Let's take a ten-minute break."
The atmosphere in the crew was somber.
Dunn Walker, dressed in thick waterproof clothing, climbed out of the pool, camera in hand, and glanced at Cameron, who looked worried.
They had been filming this scene for six hours straight!
In Dunn Walker's vision, this scene should be a continuous long shot, fixed on these lovers torn apart by life and death. It should be captured with an objective gaze, observing "Jack" and "Rose's" love without the distraction of excessive editing.
This was the style typically used in European art films to elevate the thematic expression.
Unfortunately, the results had not been ideal.
The actors were struggling to convey the piercing cold, the agony of parting, the heartbreaking sorrow of being separated by death... Neither Leonardo nor Kate had fully captured these emotions.
"How are you holding up?" Cameron approached with concern.
Though Leonardo and Kate's performances were exhausting, Dunn Walker was also under tremendous strain. He had been standing in the pool with them, holding a 20-pound camera for the entire shoot. Even with warm water, the physical toll was immense.
Dunn Walker shook his head, knowing Cameron was offering to help shoot. However, he firmly declined. "If I can't endure it as the director, how can I expect my actors to?"
Cameron patted him on the shoulder with approval. "Well said, Dunn Walker!"
---
"My body... it's already numb."
"Winning that ticket was the best thing that ever happened to me. It brought me to you, and it's been an honor... an honor. Rose, you must promise me something... promise me you'll survive, no matter what happens... No matter how hopeless things seem, promise me you'll never give up... Do you promise?"
"I promise."
"Don't forget..."
"I'll never forget! Jack, I'll never forget!"
"Cut!"
Dunn Walker's expression darkened as he spoke more sternly. "Leo, remember, you're about to die. Every word you say is your last. You need to convey the gravity and sanctity of your final moments. Simply sounding weak isn't enough—your performance is too shallow!"
Leonardo hung his head in shame. "I'm sorry, Dunn Walker. I'll work harder to get it right."
"And Kate," Dunn Walker continued, "remember what I told you? Your emotions should be complex—fear, sadness, but also a fierce determination to survive and fulfill Jack's final wish! But what I see is... blankness. Dullness. Lifelessness!"
It was the first time Dunn Walker had spoken so harshly to her. Kate Winslet bit her lip hard, refusing to respond.
"Forget it. Let's get out of the water," Dunn Walker said after a pause. He turned to Kate. "I apologize for my harsh words earlier, Kate. Please don't take it to heart."
Kate forced a smile, but it was faint and strained.
After reaching the shore, Dunn announced an important decision to everyone, "Get the water tank on the west side ready; in half an hour, we'll shoot there!"
"Huh? So, we're not shooting this scene anymore?" someone asked.
Dunn raised an eyebrow, "Who said we're not shooting it?"
"Aren't you saying… Ah! Dunn, are you planning to shoot this scene in cold water?" A deputy director suddenly realized, exclaiming in surprise.
Dunn nodded heavily, "That's exactly what I'm thinking. This scene is crucial—it's the soul of the entire film. We must make it perfect!"
For less significant scenes, they had sometimes cut corners to save time. But for such an important shot, there could be no room for error!
Upon hearing this news, Leonardo and Kate instantly fell silent, a look of fear flashing in their eyes.
They had already had enough of filming in warm water, but cold water… that was unimaginable!
…
Jon Landau, who had been sent by Grant Hill to the New York set, naturally became the highest authority there.
The New York set was mainly for green screen filming, with a scheduled shooting period of fifteen days.
At that moment, Jon Landau was in the office with his trusted assistant, Raymond, quietly discussing something.
"It's all arranged. Whether the wire snaps or the sensor fails, we've devised over a dozen scenarios to create obstacles for that kid."
Raymond blinked his left eye several times, a cold smile creeping across his lips.
Jon Landau rhythmically tapped the table with one hand, "You oversee this personally, and make sure nothing goes wrong. Don't be stingy with hush money; this time, I must teach him a serious lesson!"
As he spoke, Jon Landau's anger began to rise.
Back at the Los Angeles studio, that kid Dunn had actually scolded him in front of the entire crew, as if he were the director!
Raymond chuckled sinisterly, "Don't worry, I guarantee that kid will have a memory for life."
Just then, Jon Landau's agent called.
"Jon, something's happened!" The agent's voice was urgent.
"What's wrong?" Jon Landau asked, confused.
The agent, holding back anger, said, "Fox Studios just notified me—they've terminated your contract!"
"What?" Jon Landau's face changed drastically as he suddenly stood up. "That's impossible! They have no reason to do this!"
The agent said sternly, "Jon, did you do something wrong?"
"Wrong? What wrong?"
Jon Landau felt a pang of guilt.
The agent continued, "Fox said… that you've severely disrupted the film's production, and they've already informed their lawyers. They're terminating your contract immediately."
Jon Landau was stunned. What was going on?
He had been planning to create difficulties for Dunn's shoot, slow down his progress, and prevent the film from being released during next summer's blockbuster season, thereby shaking Fox executives' confidence in Dunn.
But that was just a plan—it hadn't been executed yet!
"This can't be happening! They have no evidence; this is slander!" Jon Landau was convinced that Fox couldn't possibly know about his plan.
The agent sighed, "Jon, I don't know what you've done, but Fox is clearly serious. The termination contract has already been sent to me."
"They can't do this!" Jon Landau shouted, "I haven't done anything! They have no evidence! They can't unilaterally tear up the agreement for no reason!"
The agent felt helpless, "Jon, have you forgotten the contract terms?"
"Hmm?"
"The contract you signed with Fox. The budget for *Titanic* was set at $85 million, with an allowable overage of no more than 10%. If the budget is significantly exceeded, Fox Studios has the right to terminate the contract at any time."
Jon Landau was suddenly dumbfounded!
He hadn't expected Fox Studios to pull the rug out from under him!
But… why?
Jon Landau was puzzled. With his current status and reputation in Hollywood, even if he had made some minor mistakes, it shouldn't have led to such a complete fallout.
Something wasn't right—something must have happened that he wasn't aware of!
Jon Landau wasn't stupid. After a moment's thought, he asked, "What about Jamie? Has he been fired too?"
The agent replied, "No, James is still filming in Mexico."
Jon Landau felt a dizzying sensation.
The person responsible for the budget overruns hadn't been fired, but his assistant had been let go. Where's the justice in that?
However, this result only reinforced Jon Landau's earlier suspicion.
Someone was deliberately targeting him!
Could it be Dunn Walker?
Jon Landau felt a chill. He had clashed with Dunn before, but could Dunn really be so petty as to pressure Fox executives into firing him?
"Paul, there's something fishy about this. Help me get to the bottom of it!"
Jon Landau was at a loss for words.
He had been eagerly plotting to sabotage Dunn Walker, but now he had been handed a termination contract.
Why on earth was this happening?
Jon Landau was on the verge of tears.