7.2/10
Senior Film Conservator

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