Oh, for an editor!

Rating: 4/10 (4 March 1999)

Yes, the movie is deliberately paced. Unfortunately, this is one of those films where the director is so in love with every idea that he has that he decides to inflict upon the audience every frame of film he shot. This film simply does not hold up under its own pretentions. Yes, there are some beautifully done sequences - unfortunately, there is so much movie that you simply can't stay interested. Nolte is wonderful. Travolta is embarrassing. Clooney has to choke on some of the most ridiculous dialogue (and he delivers it with his usual "we have a collect call from . . ." style). There are too many characters - there are WAY too many voiceovers. If it weren't for the cinematography and the score, this film wouldn't have enough going for it to merit three hours in the theatre.
Personally I want to see The Thinner Red Line. Heaven help us if there's a Director's Cut on the way.