Time flew by, and more than half a month had passed.
Thanks to Cameron's full cooperation, filming had been going smoothly. In just over two weeks, most of the scenes at the Rosarito set had already been completed.
However, Dunn had set aside an entire month for the remaining scenes.
Because what came next was the heart of the entire film—the very soul that would make audiences buy tickets, sit in theaters, and willingly shed tears.
The water scenes!
Throughout *Titanic*, there weren't many water scenes, but they were the essence of the entire movie. Filming in water was incredibly difficult, challenging, and demanding.
Even with a month reserved for these scenes, Dunn wasn't sure they would be completed smoothly. Cameron even believed that without at least 50 days, it would be impossible to finish them.
Dunn let out a sigh. What worried him wasn't the filming schedule, but whether Kate Winslet could endure it.
There were several different types of water scenes. Some could be shot in a controlled swimming pool, which was manageable—just fill a small tank with warm water.
But most of the scenes required massive amounts of water!
For example, the scene where seawater floods the ship's cabin required at least three full shipping containers of water. How was the crew supposed to heat that much water?
It was already October, and the river water was barely over 20°C (68°F). Staying in water at that temperature for extended periods was unbearable—especially for the female lead, *Rose*, who had numerous scenes in the water.
After much thought, Dunn decided to start with something simpler: filming in the swimming pool. The scene would depict *Jack* and *Rose* floating in the freezing ocean after the ship breaks apart—their heartbreaking final moments.
This scene required powerful acting, a deep emotional clash, and the explosive spark of love against the icy water.
At least the swimming pool had warm water.
...
*"Jack, I love you!"*
*"Don't say goodbye. Hold on, do you understand?"*
*"I'm so cold."*
*"Rose, you will survive. You'll have many children, watch them grow up, and live a long and happy life. You'll die warm in your bed—not here, not tonight, not like this. Do you understand?"*
*"I… I can't feel my body anymore."*
Hearing this, Dunn sighed. "Cut! Let's take a ten-minute break."
The entire set was tense and serious.
Wearing a thick waterproof suit, Dunn climbed out of the swimming pool, carrying the camera wrapped in protective gear on his shoulder. He glanced at Cameron, who looked equally troubled, and shook his head.
This scene had been shot for six hours straight!
In Dunn's vision, the best approach was a steady long take—capturing these lovers in their final moments with an objective, almost detached lens. He wanted to observe *Jack* and *Rose*'s love from a spectator's perspective, without excessive cuts or embellishments.
This was a common technique in European art films to elevate themes.
Unfortunately, the result wasn't working.
That bone-chilling cold, the sorrow of parting, the anguish of losing a loved one—it wasn't coming through. Neither Leonardo nor Kate was fully capturing the depth of emotion.
"How are you holding up?"
Cameron walked over, his expression filled with concern.
Leonardo and Kate were suffering, but so was Dunn.
He had been standing in the water with a 20-pound camera for hours. Even in warm water, the strain was enough to break anyone.
Dunn shook his head. He knew Cameron was offering to take over filming in the water, but he refused without hesitation, his expression firm. "If I, as the director, can't endure it, how can I ask my actors to?"
Cameron patted him on the shoulder approvingly. "Well said, Dunn."
...
*"I can't feel my body anymore."*
*"Winning that ticket… was the best thing that ever happened to me. It brought me to you. It's been an honor… a real honor. Rose, you have to promise me… promise me you'll survive. No matter what happens, no matter how hopeless it seems, never let go… Promise me, Rose!"*
*"I promise."*
*"Never forget..."*
*"I will never forget, Jack. Never!"*
"Cut!"
Dunn's expression darkened. His voice was heavier this time. "Leo, you have to remember—you're about to die. Every word you say should carry the weight of your final moments. You need to bring out that sense of sacredness, that deep emotional burden of a man at death's door. Right now, you're just weak and breathless—it's too shallow!"
Leonardo looked ashamed. "I'm sorry, Dunn. I'll try to understand it better."
"And Kate, do you remember what I told you? Your emotions need to be layered—fear, grief, but also the determination to survive and fulfill Jack's last wish. But what am I seeing? You look dull, stiff, lifeless!"
It was the first time Dunn had spoken so harshly to her. Kate Winslet bit her lip, saying nothing.
Dunn sighed and softened his tone. "Forget it. Let's get out of the water." He paused, then added, "Kate, I take back what I said earlier. Don't take it to heart."
Kate forced a smile, but it didn't look convincing.
Once out of the water, Dunn made an announcement. "Get the west-side water tank ready. We're shooting there in thirty minutes!"
"Huh? We're scrapping this take?"
Dunn raised an eyebrow. "Who said that?"
"But you just said—wait, Dunn, are you planning to film this scene in cold water?!" One of the assistant directors suddenly realized, exclaiming in shock.
Dunn nodded firmly. "That's exactly what I'm planning. This scene is too important—it's the emotional climax of the entire film. We *have* to get it perfect."
Some scenes could be rushed for the sake of the schedule.
But not this one.
Leonardo and Kate instantly fell silent. Fear flickered in their eyes.
They had already suffered enough in warm water.
Cold water?
They couldn't even imagine it.
...
Meanwhile, at the New York set, Jon Landau—who had been sent there by Grant Hill—was the highest-ranking official in charge.
The New York shoot mainly involved green screen work, scheduled to last fifteen days.
At that moment, Jon Landau was in his office with his trusted aide, Raymond, discussing something in hushed tones.
"I've made the arrangements. Whether it's a snapped wire or a sensor failure, we've planned over a dozen ways to cause problems for him."
Raymond's left eye twitched slightly, and he smirked coldly.
Jon Landau rhythmically tapped his fingers on the desk. "You're in charge of this personally. Make sure there are no loose ends. Don't be stingy with hush money—this time, I want him to *really* learn a lesson."
His voice grew angrier.
Back at the Los Angeles studio, Dunn had humiliated him in front of the entire crew. Did that punk really think he was untouchable just because he was the director?
Raymond chuckled darkly. "Don't worry. I'll make sure he never forgets this."
Just then, Jon Landau's phone rang—it was his agent.
"Jon, we have a problem!" The agent's voice was urgent.
"What is it?" Jon Landau frowned.
The agent sounded frustrated. "Fox just informed me—they've terminated your contract!"
"What?!" Jon Landau shot up from his seat. "That's impossible! They have no reason to do that!"
The agent's tone was grave. "Jon, did you screw up somewhere?"
"Screw up? What are you talking about?"
"Fox claims you've severely disrupted the film's production. They've already notified their lawyers—you're being let go immediately."
Jon Landau was stunned.
He had only been *planning* to sabotage Dunn's shoot. He hadn't even done anything yet!
"This is ridiculous! They have no proof—it's slander!" Jon Landau was convinced Fox had no way of knowing about his plans.
His agent sighed. "Jon, I don't know what you did, but Fox is *serious*. The termination contract is already on my desk."
"They can't do this!" Jon Landau shouted.
His agent reminded him, "Did you forget the contract terms?"
The reality hit Jon Landau like a punch.
Fox had pulled the rug out from under him.
But why?
There had to be something else at play.
Jon Landau's expression darkened.
Was it Dunn Walker?