Unlike the family-oriented preview of Toy Story or the modest one for the low-budget cult film Scream, Titanic—which achieved the record for the highest production cost in film history—had a preview scale that was extraordinary from the start.
They rented a massive theater venue, decorated the stage elaborately, and prepared the preview on a grand scale; unlike previous films without famous actors, world-renowned stars and film industry figures swarmed the event.
“This time, it really feels like walking the red carpet.”
James, Jenny, and their parents arrived at the venue in a rented Lincoln limousine, stepped out, and walked the long red carpet to enter.
At the entrance, countless cameras flashed, and though not actors, reporters snapped photos of the striking Asian family.
“Mr. Yoo, your invitation is confirmed. We’ll escort you inside.”
After security checked the invitation, they entered, posed for plenty of photos on the photo line, and went in.
“Who’s that Asian family?”
“They look like actors, but was there an Asian role in this movie?”
James’s family—in tuxedos made from premium fabric and high-end dresses—appropriately enjoyed the focused attention and entered.
“Oppa, there’s the Rocky actor.”
“Arnold Schwarzenegger is here too.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger—who worked with James Cameron on Terminator 2 and True Lies—attended the preview, along with the action star famous for Rambo and Rocky.
“There’s Director Cameron. Let’s go say hi.”
Mom spotted the director, offered congratulations, and introduced Dad.
“I thought the kids took after Mrs. Kim, but the father is handsome too.”
“Haha. Director Cameron, you’re cool too. Thank you for putting our family in the movie.”
After brief greetings with the parents, he looked at James and Jenny—who had grown a lot in a year—and said in surprise.
“You’ve grown taller in the meantime.”
“We’re in peak growth spurt, so managing it carefully.”
“Haha. A very James-like answer.”
Entering high school, James had grown to early 170cm, and Jenny—now in middle school second year—was transforming from a little kid to a young girl.
“Your looks are perfect for acting, but it’s a shame there are no films with Asian main characters.”
“Thank you for the compliment, but after extras in Titanic, I realized acting isn’t for just anyone.”
“Disaster films are tough. Thanks for coming far. Enjoy the movie; I’ll call you separately later.”
Couldn’t talk long with today’s star, Director Cameron, who said he’d contact James separately about stocks.
Over budget, Cameron had forgone his fee; investing in stocks James recommended covered the loss.
“Oh! James! Long time no see.”
“Leo, you’ve been well? This release will make you a superstar.”
“Haha. I hope so. You’ve grown quite tall.”
“I entered high school this year.”
He greeted Leonardo DiCaprio—the real lead of Titanic—who marveled at the much-grown siblings.
Mom greeted warmly too, and Dad was surprised how handsome Leo was.
“The stock you told me about rose so much; what should I do?”
“It’ll keep rising for a while. Hold about two more years, then sell in portions.”
“So start selling end of 1999?”
“Better early 2000.”
Leo asked about stocks too, and others who got recommendations last year approached, asking what to do as prices rose.
“As internet users grow, stocks will explode, but greed could wipe gains in one go. I can’t predict exact peak, but latest two years, realize profits.”
“So no selling for now?”
“Market still growing, will rise more. But not endlessly; must sell.”
James emphasized realizing before bubble burst, but at dot-com peak, people lose reason, chanting bury and double.
Thinking surely no more rise?, but seeing endless climbs, lose rationality, illusion of endless money after big gains.
‘I warned enough; riding until burst is inevitable.’
Hollywood’s fast, exaggerated rumors mean stock profit talk spreads, everyone interested, fueling hot dot-com bubble.
“The Titanic preview will begin. Please take your seats.”
Preview started; James’s family sat in VIP seats, ready to watch.
Soon lights dimmed, poignant overture played, French-Canadian singer Celine Dion took stage, singing live the song that would become famous.
“Wow! She sings so well.”
“The song is amazing too.”
After Celine Dion’s congratulatory performance, movie began; finished viewing the over-180-minute documentary+romance.
Clap clap clap!
Movie ended; attendees stood for ovation, Cameron and actors took stage for thanks.
“Seeing the reaction, I’m convinced insisting on length was right.”
“Hahahaha.”
Cameron skillfully handled mic for Q&A, answering journalists and critics.
“Thank you for coming despite busy schedules. Drinks and food in lobby; enjoy the after-party.”
Exiting theater, lobby had various finger foods and drinks set; people enjoyed standing party, discussing movie.
“Oppa, let’s go take photo with Celine Dion.”
Jenny more interested in theme singer than actors; got autograph and photo together.
“We appeared more than expected?”
“Thought edited to one or two scenes, but all filmed parts made it.”
Mom and his escape scenes appeared more than thought, scared acting surprisingly natural—relief.
“Thanks to son, Mom appeared in famous Hollywood director’s film, walked red carpet with stars.”
“Better we all did together. Won’t get recognized in Korea?”
“Mom might, but you and Jenny were kids, so okay.”
Seeing happy Mom, though pushed a bit, glad invested in film.
Surprised by much higher cost than expected, but knowing Titanic success, proceeded.
‘Mom achieved dream; stop film investments now, focus on IT companies.’
Started after seeing Mom enjoy Toy Story preview, but this fulfilled her bucket list.
Enjoyed real Hollywood party, returned home; soon released Titanic exploded as original history.
“James. Titanic‘s popularity is extraordinary!”
“Heard increasing screens.”
“Capturing women’s hearts, repeat viewers keep emerging. Might set box office records.”
Film investment broker—James now big player with $10 million in Titanic—called detailing situation.
“Already nearing break-even. Thought hard to profit, allocated high dividends to investors, but this way enormous returns!”
“Still unknown; watch slowly.”
Theater revenue to investors takes longer than thought; Titanic long run means slow incoming profits.
Ultimately historic $2.2 billion gross; unknowing exact, James just glad no loss.
“Last investment Scream unexpected big profit, this Titanic historic hit; what film next?”
“Hmm. Haven’t thought. Considering stopping after pushing this time.”
“Huge blockbuster; can’t stop. I’ll send scenarios recruiting investors; review and tell if any appeal.”
No intent to invest, but curious what films in production, agreed to receive scenarios.
“James, what film investing next year?”
James thought stopping, but Mom—fun experience—wanted more previews or extras.
“No film as good as Titanic, debating invest or not.”
“No appealing ones?”
“Some decent, but unsure. Want Mom to check directly?”
“Reading English scenarios takes time, but sounds fun. Okay if I pick?”
With kids longer in school, adapted to US life, Mom had more personal time; said she’d read James’s scenarios.
“This one’s blockbuster-level, but war film—violent, Europe setting, no Asian scenes.”
“Saving Private Ryan? Curious what it’s about. Who’s director?”
“Steven Spielberg.”
Mom interested hearing world-renowned master director; carefully took thick scenario to read.
Besides Saving Private Ryan, remembered hit was Michael Bay’s Armageddon—commercial success but low artistry.
Plus special effects, zero-gravity shooting—high cost.
“Personally liked this. Great movie, but limited box office potential.”
“The Truman Show? Curious content.”
The Truman Show—serious acting from quirky role actor; James loved masterpiece.
Film about man whose entire life live-surveilled from birth; recalled liking poster in past life, buying separately.
“Come to think, heard Korea making high-budget blockbuster; no interest in Korean films?”
“Really? What film?”
Mom with Korean film connections knew industry info; mentioned large preparing film.
“Haven’t read, but adapting famous Korean novel.”
In Korean industry average early 1 billion won budget, over 2 billion measured—title surprised him.