In this exclusive interview, director James Ross shares his thoughts on the success of Netflix’s documentary, Trainwreck: Poop Cruise, and the infamous incident that inspired it.
Director James Ross on the Success of Trainwreck: Poop Cruise
Trainwreck: Poop Cruise has maintained its position as the No. 1 film on Netflix for two weeks, a fact that director James Ross attributes to the film’s unique appeal. He shared with Gold Derby, “We knew that we had something quite special with this film. The title Poop Cruise certainly stands out from the usual fare, and I had a feeling it could catch on. I’m thrilled with its success and the positive response it has received.”
The Infamous Carnival Triumph Incident
The documentary dives into the infamous 2013 incident involving the Carnival Triumph cruise ship, which left 4,000 passengers stranded without power or plumbing in the Gulf of Mexico due to an engine fire. Initially, guests were instructed to use showers for urination and red biohazard bags for defecation. After four days, the situation escalated, leading to the viral hashtag: “Poop Cruise.”
Sticking with the Title
Ross recounts the discussions surrounding the film’s title: “At one point, we asked, ‘Are we really going to call it Poop Cruise?’ The unanimous response was, ‘Absolutely. There’s no way we’re changing the title.’ It was always Poop Cruise, and it fits perfectly.” He emphasizes that the name originated from the media, not the filmmakers, and once it became part of the cultural lexicon, it was essential to keep it.
Creative Marketing and Visuals
The film’s promotional materials are inspired by a “cruise safety card,” aimed at providing viewers with a fun experience. Ross praised the Netflix marketing team for their creativity, stating, “They did a fantastic job with the visuals, incorporating brown water beneath the white ship. The subject matter lends itself to striking imagery.”
Choosing the Right Stories
With 3,000 passengers and 1,000 crew members involved, Ross carefully selected individuals to feature in the documentary. He aimed to highlight those with personal stakes in the journey. For example, Devin sought to impress his father-in-law, while Larry aimed to reconnect with his daughter. The bachelorettes Kalin, Ashley, and Jayme were celebrating their last weekend of freedom before marriage.
Potential for a Sequel
When asked about the possibility of a sequel, Ross humorously suggested, “Poop Cruise No. 2 practically writes itself!” However, he noted that while there are many untold stories, he is unsure if viewers would be interested in a second installment. “We aimed to cover the original story comprehensively, but if there’s demand, why not?”
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Reflections on the Cultural Impact
Former CNN anchor Brooke Baldwin was a pleasure to work with, according to Ross. She quickly grasped the significance of the story, recognizing it as a pivotal moment in American culture where news and entertainment began to intersect.
Lessons Learned from the Incident
Ross revealed that the survivors received only $500 for their ordeal and a free cruise, which only a few accepted. He noted that the incident raised awareness about industry issues, leading to changes in contract fine print and improved safety measures. “Some good came from this, alongside the challenges,” he stated.
Personal Reflections
When asked how he would handle being stranded on a cruise ship without plumbing, Ross humorously suggested he would prioritize the greater good over personal comfort. “I’d like to think I would use the red bag. Society seems divided into those who would and those who wouldn’t, which is quite telling.”
Future Aspirations
Ross expressed that winning an Emmy for Trainwreck: Poop Cruise would be “absolutely insane and beyond my imagination.” He added that if he were to win, he would humorously consider storing the trophy in a red biohazard bag.
