One word review: Great

Titanic was released in the United States on December 19, 1997 and dominated the box office until the end of March, 1998.

The Dow Jones rose the first week after the weekend release of Titanic by 3%, then fell the week after by 4%.  By the end of March 1998, the Dow Jones was ahead by over 15% from the opening week of Titanic.  In the run of Titanic up to the end of March, there were only 4 DOWN weeks for the Dow Jones and 11 UP weeks. 

Titanic was a Romance Movie but it was hardly a "Chick Flick".  First off, it was directed by James Cameron who directed The Terminator (1 and 2) and Aliens, so it had a built-in action adventure audience eager for the special effects that Cameron was justly known for.  Secondly, although the real event was a tragedy, the story of the survivors from that maiden voyage of the Titanic was the truly inspiring. 

It is fair to say that the reason for Titanic's success was because of its universal appeal to all audience groups.  In effect, it transcended individual genres.  The one overwhelming influence that it has is the positive, "feel good" effect on the audience.  That makes it a bullish indicator for MarketBOB.

Another factor that had an influence on the financial markets was the story of James Cameron, the Director of Titanic.   James Cameron gave up his salary to keep control of his film as the budget grew.  He took risks to execute his vision with everything riding on the box office instead of a guaranteed mega-salary.  That success story would invigorate anyone with a creative vision, an appetite for risk and a will to succeed.  To think big.  I mean, really big. 

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial was a box office phenomenon, making #1 for a total of 16 weeks, but not consecutive like Titanic, but over a 7 month period from June to December, 1982.  It was beloved by all, gathering repeat business and rising to the top whenever the competition at the box office sagged.

The story of a cute alien trying to get home, told through the eyes of children in suburbia, resonated with all audiences and brought families together.  The themes of home, family and embracing the unknown were all relevant for investors, especially first-time investors trying to build their nest eggs while managing risks.  If a lost little alien can find a way home, why can't investors find a path to safety in the markets?

E.T. also brought the power of product placement into the mainstream, with Reece's Pieces skyrocketing in popularity.  Kids saw it as E.T.'s favorite candy when Elliot used it to lure the alien out of the woods and into his room.  M & M's turned down the chance to be in the movie, to their lasting regret.

IN E.T's magical box office run, there were only 4 DOWN weeks for the Dow Jones and 12 UP weeks, giving a total gain of 21% for the weeks it reigned as the champ.  In this performance, it ranks above Titanic in market gains and beyond all other movies released since 1982.  It truly was the greatest MarketBOB movie confidence indicator of all time.  If only Stephen Speilberg made movies like this in 2009.