The immortal scene in the blockbuster movie Titanic, where Rose poses nude for a portrait by Jack, has fallen foul of Chinese censors. With the film re-released in eye-catching 3-D, government officials were concerned about the effect Kate Winslet’s breasts would have on the movie-going public.
According to the Daily Mail, an official at the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television bizarrely claimed that the 3-D effect would prompt viewers to reach out and try to touch Winslet’s breasts, spoiling the experience for others.
“Considering the vivid 3D effects, we fear that viewers may reach out their hands for a touch and thus interrupt other people’s viewing,” said the official.
“To avoid potential conflicts between viewers and out of consideration of building a harmonious ethical social environment, we’ve decided to cut off the nudity scenes.”
As such, the scene in which Winslet is sprawled nude on a chaise lounge has been edited to show only her head and neck. Naturally, some film fans were outraged.
On the internet culture blog Offbeat China, one commentator fumed: “I waited 15 years to see 3D boobs, not 3D iceberg”.
However, despite Chinese authorities maintaining strict control over foreign media, Titanic 3-D scored the second-highest opening day takings ever in the country.