Raise the Titanic
A group of Americans are interested in raising the ill-fated ocean liner Titanic from its watery grave. One of them finds out the Russians also have plans to do so. Why all the interest? A rare mineral on board could be used to power a sound beam that will knock any missile out of the air while entering US airspace.
The film box office disappointment against its moderate budget of $36.0M, earning $7.0M globally (-81% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its innovative storytelling within the action genre.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Raise the Titanic (1980) exhibits strategically placed narrative design, characteristic of Jerry Jameson's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 55 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (2% through the runtime) establishes Cold War tensions establish the stakes. The Sicilian Project defense system is introduced as critical to national security, but lacks the rare byzanium mineral needed to make it operational.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when The discovery that the byzanium went down with the Titanic forces an impossible choice: raise the legendary wreck or abandon the defense project. The comfortable world of bureaucratic solutions is shattered.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 28 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Pitt commits to the mission and the expedition launches. Ships deploy to the North Atlantic. The team actively chooses to attempt the impossible, crossing into the world of the deep ocean salvage operation., moving from reaction to action.
At 55 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 48% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat False victory: the Titanic begins to rise from the ocean floor. Celebrations erupt as the impossible seems achieved. However, Soviet forces become aware of the operation, raising the stakes significantly., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 84 minutes (73% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The Titanic nearly breaks apart during the final ascent. A key team member is killed in a Soviet confrontation. Everything seems lost as the ship threatens to sink back to the depths, taking the byzanium with it., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 91 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. New resolve: Pitt synthesizes technical expertise with sheer determination. One final push using unconventional methods. The realization that they've come too far to quit now. Act Three begins., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Raise the Titanic's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Raise the Titanic against these established plot points, we can identify how Jerry Jameson utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Raise the Titanic within the action genre.
Jerry Jameson's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Jerry Jameson films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.1, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Raise the Titanic takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Jerry Jameson filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Jerry Jameson analyses, see Airport '77.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Cold War tensions establish the stakes. The Sicilian Project defense system is introduced as critical to national security, but lacks the rare byzanium mineral needed to make it operational.
Theme
Gene Seagram states the film's theme about impossible missions and the lengths nations will go for security: "Sometimes the impossible is the only option left."
Worldbuilding
We learn about the byzanium shortage, meet NUMA agent Dirk Pitt, establish his expertise and resourcefulness. Flashback to 1912 reveals byzanium was secretly loaded onto the Titanic before it sank.
Disruption
The discovery that the byzanium went down with the Titanic forces an impossible choice: raise the legendary wreck or abandon the defense project. The comfortable world of bureaucratic solutions is shattered.
Resistance
Debate over whether raising the Titanic is even possible. Pitt resists the mission's absurdity, experts are consulted, plans are drawn up. The team assembles reluctantly, knowing the technical and political obstacles.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Pitt commits to the mission and the expedition launches. Ships deploy to the North Atlantic. The team actively chooses to attempt the impossible, crossing into the world of the deep ocean salvage operation.
Mirror World
Dana Archibald, a Titanic historian, joins the mission. She represents the human cost and historical weight of disturbing the grave site, providing thematic counterpoint to the cold military objectives.
Premise
The "fun and games" of deep-sea salvage: locating the wreck, sending down submersibles, exploring the deteriorated ship, attempting to attach flotation devices. Technical problems and small victories mount.
Midpoint
False victory: the Titanic begins to rise from the ocean floor. Celebrations erupt as the impossible seems achieved. However, Soviet forces become aware of the operation, raising the stakes significantly.
Opposition
Soviet interference intensifies. Structural integrity problems threaten to tear the Titanic apart during ascent. Weather worsens. Political pressure mounts. The team faces sabotage attempts and equipment failures.
Collapse
The Titanic nearly breaks apart during the final ascent. A key team member is killed in a Soviet confrontation. Everything seems lost as the ship threatens to sink back to the depths, taking the byzanium with it.
Crisis
Pitt and the team process the loss and face the possibility of failure. Dark moment of doubt about whether any of this was worth it. The cost in human lives weighs against the strategic victory.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
New resolve: Pitt synthesizes technical expertise with sheer determination. One final push using unconventional methods. The realization that they've come too far to quit now. Act Three begins.
Synthesis
The finale: Titanic surfaces successfully in New York harbor. The team boards the wreck to locate the byzanium vault. Final confrontation with Soviet agents. Discovery of whether the byzanium survived.
Transformation
Bittersweet ending: the Titanic rests in harbor, mission accomplished, but the byzanium vault is empty. The journey transformed the characters but the prize was illusory. They achieved the impossible only to find it hollow.