James Cameron Once Compared Titanic's Success To Getting His First Taste Of Cocaine

James Cameron owns 30% of the Top 10 highest grossing movies of all time (not adjusted for inflation, natch). As of this writing, "Avatar: The Way of Water" occupies the number four spot, with "Titanic" at number three (for now), and "Avatar" at number one. Actually, it might be more effective to say that Cameron owns 60% of the top five at all the all-time box office (again, not adjusted for changes in ticket prices). Those three films alone have garnered something around seven billion dollars so, yeah, you could say that Cameron has something of a successful track record. And that kind of success must feel good, really good. But how can it be described? 

Who are we kidding, you've already clicked on the title, you know where we're going with this. Turns out, Cameron knew exactly how good that kind of power felt long before he ever churned out a movie to justify his deep sea diving hobby. In fact, he's known since the 1980s, when he first experienced cocaine, which is a hilariously formal way of describing an act of criminal drug use. It should go without saying but don't try this at home, folks. If you want to feel powerful, put a blue filter on "Pocahontas." It's easier and, apparently, it works.

During a 2009 interview with Playboy, James Cameron responded to the idea that some found his Oscar speech after winning Best Director for "Titanic," in which he proclaimed that was he was the "king of the world,' to be clear evidence of a "highly developed ego." Cameron's take on that assessment is, well, unorthodox, and it doesn't necessarily provide a sound opposing argument:

"'Titanic' was wildly celebrated on every possible level, so sure, I knew how good that felt. It was almost like back in the 1980s when I got a taste of coke. That door opened a crack, and I saw a glimpse of what it was like to have something more powerful than you that you have to answer to. I put it down in, like, a week when most people — everybody around me — didn't. Getting a glimpse through that door and seeing that accolades can be so capriciously withdrawn made me know I didn't want to base my self-value on that."

It should be noted that if Cameron weren't so wealthy and powerful, this kind of flippant drug commentary would be not-so-legally permissible. That said, Cameron's comment implies some strange parameters. He is vocally aware of the power "Titanic" offered him (he personally won three Oscars for the film), and is equally aware of how good that power feels, hence the impromptu cocaine comparison. But Cameron's statement goes on to suggest that he believes that he denied himself the joy of luxuriating in that accomplishment which, in turn, suggests that Cameron thinks saying "I'm king of the world" is a regular human thing to do. Yes, it was a topically relevant quote ... but still. 

On a more serious note: If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).