Lecture
Professor David Peimer
Saturday 25.10.2025
Professor David Peimer
Titanic: The Movie – Why Are We So Intrigued by the Story?
Saturday 25.10.2025
How to watch
This lecture starts on 25 October at 5:00pm (UK).
Summary
We all know the story, history and film, even the ending—yet we remain fascinated by this epic “disaster and romantic” movie. Why? Is it about human loss? The fragility of life? Or is it merely a moment of sentimental nostalgia about the noble stoicism of a bygone age and a love story, as opposed to a disaster film? Join us as we delve into this filmic spectacle with these questions—a film that won 11 Academy Awards, made over $2 billion, and used a tank filled with 17 million gallons of water.
Professor David Peimer
David Peimer is a Professor of Literature, Film and Theatre in the UK. He has worked for the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, New York University (Global Division) and was a Fulbright Scholar at Columbia University. Born in South Africa, David has won numerous awards for playwriting and directing. He has most recently directed Dame Janet Suzman in his own play, Joanna’s Story, at London Jewish Book Week. He has published numerous books, including Armed Response: Plays from South Africa and the digital book Theatre in the Camps. He is on the board of the Pinter Centre (London), and has been involved with the Mandela Foundation, Vaclav Havel Foundation and directed a range of plays at Mr Havel’s Prague theatre.