The character of Rose DeWitt Bukater in the 1997 film Titanic was iconic for many reasons, not least of which was her beautiful red hair. Played by Kate Winslet, Rose’s flowing red locks were an integral part of her image and contributed greatly to her on-screen presence and allure. But why exactly did the filmmakers choose red as the hair color for this leading lady?
The Meaning Behind Red Hair
Throughout history, red hair has carried deep symbolic meaning. In ancient Egypt, red was associated with the goddess Isis and signified divinity and power. In Greek mythology, red hair was linked to Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Red is also connected with magic, passion, strength, and creativity in many cultures.
So when creating the character of Rose, the filmmakers likely chose red hair to evoke these traits – painting her as a passionate, creative, and strong female protagonist. Her red locks mark her as a woman with a fiery spirit who plays by her own rules – an important aspect of her personality and her rejection of the uptight high society life she was born into.
Red Hair as a Status Symbol
During the early 20th century time period depicted in Titanic, red hair was exceptionally rare and seen as exclusive to upper class women. Only around 4% of the population naturally had red hair, so it was associated with privilege and elite status.
As a first-class passenger and fiancée of Caledon Hockley, played by Billy Zane, Rose would have been expected to stand out as a woman of high breeding. Her long, red tresses were essentially a status symbol that marked her beauty, rarity, and aristocratic pedigree for all to see.
The Youthful Beauty of Red
Rose was meant to exude beauty, innocence, and youth – at the start of the film she is only 17 years old. Red hair has a vivid, youthful quality to it that lends itself well to portraying a fresh-faced young woman who is naive to the ways of the world.
The bright, eye-catching shade compliments Rose’s creamy complexion and youthful features. It speaks to her playful spirit, romantic ideals, and passion that have yet to be tempered by age and experience. The red locks are symbolic of her blooming into womanhood.
The Redhead Stereotype
Related to the youth angle, red hair is also associated with certain stereotypical traits that may have played into the filmmakers’ choice. Redheads are often depicted as being more wild, emotional, impetuous, and even sexual than other women.
We see Rose chafing under the rigid social mores she’s forced to live within and longing to break free. Her fiery mane signals the untamed nature brimming under the surface. And eventually, she sheds her inhibited exterior and fully embraces her passionate, risk-taking side on the voyage.
Contrasting with Ruth
Another related factor is the need to contrast Rose visually from Ruth DeWitt Bukater, her mother. Played by Frances Fisher, Ruth represents the stiff, formal, emotionally distant archetype of the early 1900s socialite.
To further illustrate Rose’s differences from Ruth and her progressive attitudes, her bright red locks act as a stark contrast to her mother’s darker brunette hair. This effectively externalizes Rose’s break from tradition.
Complimenting Jack’s Blonde Hair
Jack Dawson, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, was designed as Rose’s perfect romantic counterpart – a free-wheeling, passionate risk-taker who represents freedom and self-determination. With his sun-kissed blonde hair, he is physically her opposite.
When the two characters’ distinctly different hair colors unite on screen, it creates a visually arresting display. The red and blonde pairing further symbolizes their fiery passion and sizzling chemistry.
Echoing Rose’s Red Dress
In a critical scene from the film, Rose descends the grand staircase of the Titanic wearing a vibrant red gown and she first locks eyes with Jack. Her red dress mirrors her equally fiery red curls tumbling around her face and shoulders.
This creates a highly memorable, vivid image that burns Rose’s introduction into the viewer’s mind. The red on red effect reinforces her character’s personality and sets the tone for her defiant behavior that’s to come.
Rose’s Hair Loosens as She Lets Go
As Rose sheds her inhibitions aboard the doomed ship, her hairstyle evolves as well. She begins with her red hair tightly pinned and styled in elegant up-dos befitting a first-class lady of 1912 high society.
But as she falls for Jack and joins him in activities like dancing, drinking beer, and even spitting over the rails, her hair becomes looser and more free-flowing. By the end, her long red locks are wildly blowing in the wind, representing her liberation.
Use of Color Symbolism
On a technical filmmaking level, Rose’s red hair adds a pop of vibrant color that instantly draws the viewer’s eye. The amber tones are heightened against the muted, dark wardrobe palette used for most characters.
This visual strategy makes Rose stand out in every scene, highlighting her central importance. The memorable splash of red strengthens the audience’s attachment and emotional investment in her fate.
Conclusion
In summary, Rose’s iconic titian tresses in Titanic were a carefully considered hallmark of her character. The color red carried multiple layers of symbolism and meaning that the filmmakers tapped into to shape Rose’s personality and role in the story.
Her red hair visually distinguished her, complemented Jack’s blonde look, allowed contrast with Ruth’s dark hair, and reinforced her inner passions. As Rose changed over the course of the film, her hair evolved as well, loosening from tight updos to flowing freely to match her liberation. For all these reasons and more, red was the perfect shade to bring Rose to life onscreen.
While many elements came together to construct Rose as the complex, unforgettable heroine audiences fell in love with, the flaming red locks cascading down her face remain one of the most iconic facets of the entire Titanic phenomenon.
