Accurate Depictions:
1. The Ship's Design and Sinking: The movie accurately portrays the grandeur and iconic features of the Titanic, such as its luxurious interior, spacious decks, and the "unsinkable" reputation. The depiction of the ship's sinking, including the flooding of compartments, is generally faithful to the historical account.
2. Historical Figures: Several real historical figures are portrayed in the movie, including Captain Edward John Smith, the ship's designer Thomas Andrews, and the chief telegraph operator Harold Bride. Their roles and interactions are mostly based on actual events.
3. Social Class Divisions: The movie effectively captures the rigid social class divisions that existed on the Titanic, with passengers separated into first, second, and third class, each with its own amenities and restrictions.
4. Rescue Efforts: The movie depicts the arrival of the rescue ship Carpathia and the efforts to save survivors, which are largely consistent with historical records.
Fictionalized Elements:
1. Jack and Rose's Romance: The central romantic storyline between Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet) is entirely fictional. While there were numerous personal stories and relationships that emerged during the Titanic's journey, there's no evidence of a romance between characters like Jack and Rose.
2. The Heart of the Ocean Necklace: The iconic "Heart of the Ocean" necklace, a prominent symbol in the movie, is a creative invention and doesn't have any historical basis.
3. Caledon Hockley's Character: The wealthy character Caledon Hockley, played by Billy Zane, and his pursuit of Rose are largely fictionalized. While there were wealthy individuals on board the Titanic, their portrayal in the movie is dramatized for narrative purposes.
4. The "Near-Collision" Scene: The scene where Jack saves Rose from a near-collision between the Titanic and another ship is a dramatic invention. There's no evidence of such an incident in real life.
5. Old Rose's Story: The framing device of the movie, featuring an elderly Rose narrating her experience, is a fictional touch that adds a narrative hook and emotional depth.
In conclusion, while "Titanic" captures many elements of the real-life tragedy and historical context, it incorporates significant fictional aspects and dramatic liberties for cinematic storytelling.