While Jack and Rose represent love and freedom, Caledon “Cal” Hockley represents the power, money, and pride of the high society in 1912. As the man standing between our favorite couple, Cal delivered some of the most memorable, and infuriating, lines in the movie.
Whether he is mocking modern art or showing his obsession with the “Heart of the Ocean” diamond, Cal is a villain we can’t forget. Here are his top 10 most iconic quotes. (Quotes are sorted in chronological order as they come up in the movie.)
1. “God Himself could not sink this ship…”
“It is unsinkable. God Himself could not sink this ship…”
Cal (to Ruth and Rose about Titanic)
Cal says this with total confidence as he looks at the Titanic. This quote is the perfect example of his “hubris” (extreme pride). It sets the tone for the entire movie, showing how the wealthy characters felt completely safe and superior to the forces of nature.
2. “God, not those finger paintings again.”
“God, not those finger paintings again. They certainly were a waste of money.”
Cal (to Rose about the paintings she owns)
When Rose is unpacking her art collection, Cal shows how little he understands her. He views everything through the lens of money. If it isn’t expensive or famous yet, he thinks it is worthless, even if it brings Rose joy.
3. “Something Picasso. He won’t amount to a thing.”
“Something Picasso. He won’t amount to a thing. He won’t, trust me. At least they were cheap.”
Cal (laughing about Rose’s favorite paintings)
This is a favorite quote for fans because of the “irony.” We know today that Pablo Picasso became one of the most famous artists in history. Cal’s failure to see the talent in Picasso shows that he has no real taste, he only cares about social status.
4. “We are royalty, Rose.”
“We are royalty, Rose. You know, there’s nothing I couldn’t give you. There’s nothing I’d deny you if you would not deny me. Open your heart to me, Rose.”
Cal (to Rose)
At first, this sounds like a romantic plea, but Cal sees love as a business deal. He believes he can “buy” Rose’s heart with gifts and diamonds. For Cal, a relationship is a trade, not a connection.
5. “You will honor me the way a wife honors her husband.”
“My fiancée. My fiancée! Yes, you are! And my wife! My wife in practice, if not yet by law, so you will honor me! You will honor me the way a wife honors her husband. Because I will not be made a fool of.”
Cal (to Rose)
This is one of Cal’s darkest moments. He doesn’t see Rose as a partner, but as a possession. He is more worried about being “made a fool of” by society than he is about Rose’s actual happiness.
6. “It’s a waste of deck space as it is on an unsinkable ship.”
“It’s a waste of deck space as it is on an unsinkable ship.”
Cal (about the number of lifeboats)
When discussing the number of lifeboats, Cal shows his cold, logical side. Because he truly believes the ship cannot sink, he thinks safety equipment is just an ugly distraction that ruins the view. This line makes the coming tragedy feel even more painful.
7. “Not the better half.”
“Not the better half.”
Cal (reaction to Rose saying half of the people will die)
This short, biting line shows Cal’s extreme classism. To him, the “better half” of people are the ones with money and titles. He truly believes that the lives of the poor are less valuable than his own.
8. “You know, it’s a pity I didn’t keep that drawing. It’ll be worth a lot more by morning.”
“You know, it’s a pity I didn’t keep that drawing. It’ll be worth a lot more by morning.”
Cal (to Rose about Jack’s drawing)
Even in the middle of a disaster, Cal is thinking about the market value of art. He knows that if Jack dies, the drawing of Rose will become a “collector’s item.” It shows how he can never stop being a businessman, even when lives are at stake.
9. “I always win , Jack. One way or another.”
“I always win , Jack. One way or another.”
Cal (to Jack)
This is Cal’s personal motto. He is used to getting what he wants through money, cheating, or force. In this moment, he thinks he has defeated Jack by framing him for theft, proving that he plays dirty to stay on top.
10. “I put the diamond in the coat. And I put the coat on her!”
“I put the diamond in the coat. And I put the coat on her!”
Cal (to Mr. Lovejoy about Rose)
This is a moment of pure realization for Cal. In his effort to keep Rose warm (or perhaps just to save his diamond), he accidentally gave her the very thing he valued most. It is a classic “villain fail” that fans love to discuss.
Do you love to hate Cal Hockley?
Billy Zane’s performance as Cal gave us a villain that we love to watch. He represents everything Rose was trying to escape, and his lines perfectly capture the arrogance of the Titanic’s first-class world.
Which Cal quote made you the angriest? Or do you have a favorite “villain moment” we missed? Let us know in the comments!
Read More Titanic Quotes:
- Titanic – All Quotes (70+)
- Top 10 Unforgettable Titanic Quotes (All Characters)
- Quotes by Jack Dawson
- Quotes by Rose DeWitt Bukater
Share this list with a Titanic fan who loves a great movie villain!
