James Cameron produced, wrote, directed 1997’s titanic epic “Titanic.” Nominated for 14 Oscars, it won 11, the most for one film including Best Picture, Best Director. Costliest movie ever made, it grossed more than $2 bil — the highest take ever until 2009’s “Avatar” — also made by James Cameron.
So, with his personal $700 million piggy bank, does the bathtub of Hollywood’s top earner have 22-karat rings? What’s his lifestyle?
“In family life, I’m low-maintenance. I live simply. Just glad to survive,” he told me. “A wife and three children — 5, 9 and 11. And I make time to be a father. For instance, our media room, which is like a library, had a 60-inch television. The kids were allowed to watch TV in general, but now I’ve taken the set away and brought it to my office. No TV at home.
“I don’t think that’s bizarre, although they do roll their eyes a bit. Staring for hours at television is not good for them. However, I allow it weekends in our small country ranch.
“I live in the same house 20 years. After my last movie, I did reward myself though. I gave me a new car. A Toyota hybrid, which I’ve driven ever since.”
“Titanic” incarnations include DVDs, CDs, 3-D versions, trailers, books, documentaries, histories, interviews, stories, merchandise, 3-D whatevers. Monday, Cameron released it in 2-D and 3-D Blu-ray. The thing’s been resurrected more often than Arsenio Hall.
“Pop a disc into an HD set, and Blu-ray shows four times more information than normal. Crisper, clearer, vibrant, like seeing it in a movie theater. It’s DVD on steroids. And I keep my own personal copies of everything. I make the companies give them to me. Like I say, ‘I want 10 copies,’ and I give them as Christmas presents.”
About his work ethic: “I believe in lots of preparation. Hard work. A great deal of curiosity. It’s not easy. I’m always looking for challenges, and little’s left to chance. Not too many failures because I focus. There’s physical, mental and emotional endurance. ‘Avatar 2’ is a 3 1/2 -year schedule. I empower a small team. I surround myself with the same crew. We’re like a family.
“But this Blu-ray is It. The end of a 17-year journey. It’s now closure on ‘Titanic.’ ”
Who knows, maybe James Cameron will spring for an updated Toyota hybrid.
HILLARY. Eventually go or not go for president? She needs time. Sleep. A spa. Hairdo. Maybe a facial or something. And to assess. Four years is a lifetime in politics. Paul Ryan was no household name before. Who heard of Sarah Palin before? The morning line is for now she’s mum. She has a year to think. Year 2, she’ll need to gear up — find her team. If it’s to be, Year 3, she’s in play. That’s the morning line.
CAMERON Diaz posed for new indoor and outdoor Tag Heuer wristwatch ads. The site was found by Nancy Grigor of Hamptons Locations . . . A law clerk insists I mention Acting New York State Supreme Court Justice Barbara Jaffe’s running for NY County Surrogate in the Democratic primary, saying: “You’ll love her. She’s the only judge with a Mad Magazine collection.”
WHILE we stuff ourselves with pasta at places like Da Tommaso, healthy Ray Romano’s doing an egg-white sandwich at a bagel joint . . . Jim Sinegal, former Costco CEO, addressed the Dem convention. Costco stock on the New York Stock Exchange then hit an all-time high of more than 100. Better bounce than Obama . . . Quoting one political delegate: “I used to be indecisive. Now I’m not so sure.”
GRETA Gerwig’s A-1 in “Frances Ha.” The movie’s by Noah Baumbach. They worked professionally in “Greenberg” and are involved personally. But about this romantic involvement she comments only: “No comment.”. . . After seeing Clint Eastwood last month on the small screen in Tampa, he’s out this month on the big screen in a baseball film, “Trouble With the Curve.”
EVERYONE’s helping everyone: Tonight. Gotham Hall. American Humane Association Bandleader Alex Donner working against animal abuse . . . Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’s auction. Savoir donating a $20,000 bed . . . Nov. 4. NYC Marathon. Fitness expert Jason Greenspan will stretch out the runners . . . Peter Max hosting an anti-cancer event this very evening.
ROMNEY’s Beverly Hills actress older sister Jane was married to Mormon Church leader Gordon Hinckley’s nephew. Alleging he strayed, the Hollywood Reporter reports their divorce as slightly “messy” and likens her to pesty brother Billy Carter of Jimmy Carter fame. Seems presidents grow problem kin. About Calvin Coolidge I don’t know, but assorted Kennedys? Clinton’s bro Roger?
EMPTY police vehicle standing hours in front of a hydrant. Passer-by: “Those meter maids can be so mean. I’ll bet they give this car a parking ticket.”
Only in New York, kids, only in New York.