Fictionalization and inaccuracies
The film takes many liberties and invents characters who did not exist in reality. This applies primarily to the reporter who writes under a male pseudonym. The film also invents the scene in which she is beaten up by the shipowner Morgan's henchmen.
The records of the American investigation are used in part as the basis for the screenplay. Understandably, the screenplay selects and condenses the real dialogues.
The film invents a conspiracy according to which the American economy interferes in the investigation. It prevents the committee from determining the responsibility of the Titanic shipping company, the White Star Line. Military aspects and relations with Great Britain are also at stake.
Even US President Taft intervenes and puts pressure on Senator Smith to end the investigation. In reality, this did not happen – on the contrary, Taft was very interested in the investigation because a personal friend of his (Archibald Butt) had died on the Titanic.
At the end of the film, Senator Smith sits with his wife in the cinema and watches the news. The senator's performance is praised. Before the credits roll, the film points out that Smith's committee led to increased safety at sea.
The film completely omits the subsequent British investigation. The whole investigation of the catastrophe appears to be purely American. In fact, it was a conference in London in 1914 that decided on the recommendations that ultimately led to increased safety at sea.
Release
Unsinkable was limited theatrically released in the United States and the United Kingdom on 12 April 2024. [3] It was later added to popular streaming service 'Amazon Prime Video' in May.
Reception
Joshua Axelrod from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette gave it a 3 out of 4, stating the film "is an extremely commendable and well-intentioned project that’s only held back by an occasionally stodgy disposition and the rare moments when the film's seams peak through its otherwise glossy exterior." [4] Monique Jones from Common Sense Media also gave it a positive rating, saying, "This straightforward drama is likely to entertain history buffs, especially those who've been entranced by the lore around the Titanic." [5]
Leslie Felperin, a writer for The Guardian , gave this film 2 stars out of 5, stating "the film-makers must have been grateful that the tragedy happened in the dark because it covers up the fact that it looks like the lifeboats are being lowered into a swimming pool while a giant cutout ship capsizes in the background". Although she praised the dialogue, saying it "sounds as if it was lifted straight from the congressional record, which is curiously pleasing to the ear and adds a tang of authenticity." [3]
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