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Twentieth Century (1934) Review · 7.2/10 | Dbcult

7.2/10

Twentieth Century: Screaming on a train has never been this fun

Author

Senior Film Conservator

31 May 2026

2 min read

A definitive 7.2/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Twentieth Century remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.

Is it worth your time?

If you like people who talk at 100 miles per hour and treat every minor inconvenience like a Greek tragedy, you'll love this. If you need your movies to be calm or "meaningful," stay away. This is pure, unadulterated chaos.

Twentieth Century scene — Scene from Twentieth Century

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Twentieth Century (1934) through its definitive frames.

John Barrymore is doing way too much, and somehow, it’s exactly the right amount. He’s like a balloon that’s constantly about to pop, and he drags Carole Lombard right into the mess with him.

Twentieth Century scene — Scene from Twentieth Century

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Twentieth Century (1934) through its definitive frames.

The Train Vibe

Most of this movie takes place on the 20th Century Limited train, which sounds boring until you realize it's just a pressure cooker of toxic ex-lovers. The walls feel like they’re closing in on them, which is perfect because they’re both absolutely insufferable people.

Twentieth Century scene — Scene from Twentieth Century

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Twentieth Century (1934) through its definitive frames.

There’s this moment where they’re just pacing back and forth in the cabin, and it feels like a wrestling match without the physical contact. Just words. Lots and lots of words.

Twentieth Century scene — Scene from Twentieth Century

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Twentieth Century (1934) through its definitive frames.

Odd Observations

Barrymore’s eyebrows have their own zip code. I couldn't stop looking at them.
The supporting cast is mostly there to look confused, which is honestly a mood.
I’m pretty sure people in the 1930s just spent their entire lives screaming at each other based on this evidence.
It moves way faster than most modern comedies that have "fast-paced" in their marketing blurbs.

It reminded me a bit of the frantic energy in Turkey Time, but with more high-society shouting. The way these characters flip-flop between "I hate you" and "I love you" is exhausting, but you can’t look away. It’s like watching a car crash in slow motion, except the cars are both wearing tuxedos and yelling about contracts.

Twentieth Century scene — Scene from Twentieth Century

Cinematic perspective: Exploring the visual vocabulary of Twentieth Century (1934) through its definitive frames.

I don't think this movie wants you to like these people. It just wants you to watch them burn. Honestly, mission accomplished. Sometimes, you don't need a deep message. You just need two people who are clearly meant for each other to keep making the same mistakes for 90 minutes. 🚂💨