Does his metaphor sound simplistic? Sure. But like no one else making mainstream films today, Cameron’s a master auteur who delivers grand visual spectacle backed by a terrific story. He’s our generation’s greatest filmmaker because he chooses to aspire and sticks with it until he meets those aspirations. He also has the talent.

Whatever genre Cameron chooses (and make no mistake, he is a genre filmmaker), he honors that genre but at the same time sets out to deliver the ultimate film-going experience within it. And for my money, he’s always delivered … and yes, that includes “Titanic,” which, by the second reel, always turns me into a fourteen year-old girl. That’s right, you heard me — I’m not afraid to say it … In “Titanic” Leo is simply dreamy.