When most people think of the iconic film Titanic, their minds drift to the unforgettable romance between Jack and Rose. However, according to Kate Winslet, the reality behind filming those steamy scenes was far from dreamy. Winslet recently sent fans into a tailspin by describing kissing Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic as not “all it’s cracked up to be.”¹

The actress humorously revealed that their much-lauded kisses came with a slew of complications—chief among them being the ever-persistent makeup issues. Evidently, the combination of period setting and close-up cinematography created an environment where lipstick and foundation had their own ideas about how to behave. Winslet noted that kissing DiCaprio was complicated due to these makeup snafus, which turned each smooch into a blend of romance and cosmetic catastrophe.¹

As if that weren't enough, Winslet also had to moonlight as a makeup artist, diligently performing touch-ups for both herself and DiCaprio between takes. The constant need for makeup adjustments meant that each romantic moment had a side of makeup malarky. "It was a mess," Winslet confessed, likening it to the chaos of a teenager’s first encounter with eyeliner.²

The technical issues didn't stop there. Winslet described the whole experience as a "nightmare" partly because DiCaprio couldn’t stop laughing and partly due to her struggle to breathe in her corset. It's hard to look dreamily breathless when you are, literally, struggling for air. Winslet’s comedic take on the ordeal paints a picture far removed from the romance played out on screen.²

If you’re picturing a scene done in one perfect take, think again. The kiss had to be reshot numerous times to meet the specific lighting criteria laid out by the ever-meticulous director, James Cameron. It turns out even the perfect kiss needs a retake or ten to meet cinematic standards. Any romantic sparks were likely buried under layers of repeated direction and makeup touch-ups.²

Despite these behind-the-scenes challenges, Titanic managed to sail into cinematic history, becoming one of the most beloved and successful films of all time. Fans worldwide continue to be captivated by the love story of Jack and Rose, oblivious to the real-life trials that Winslet and DiCaprio faced during filming.¹

Reflecting on the film’s enduring legacy, Winslet expressed a sense of pride. She mentioned that Titanic continues to resonate with new generations, proving that Jack and Rose’s love story is timeless. The film keeps giving, even if the memory of kissing DiCaprio feels more like smooching a wet paintbrush than a fairy-tale romance.¹

So next time you find yourself swooning over that iconic kiss scene, remember the heroic efforts of Kate Winslet to keep her makeup intact, her sanity in check, and her laughter at bay. Because, as Hollywood teaches us, even the most perfect love stories require a hefty dose of reality and maybe a makeup wipe or two.

¹ Fox News, "Kate Winslet Says Kissing Leonardo DiCaprio Wasn't 'All It's Cracked Up to Be,'" June 13, 2024.