The chronological arrangement, the failure to show the duality between Patna and Patusan, and the widely divergent last ¾ of the plot make the film a chore. While the film preserves the novel's shaky pacing, the changes disrupt the plot so that the character motivations are incongruous with the ending and the romantic subplot is illogical. The film doesn't have the epic visuals, acting, effects, characterization, or pacing to justify its epic length. All it got right is Jim's fear of opprobrium.

Probably the most depressing widescreen adventure movie ever made. Adaptation of Joseph Conrad novel with O'Toole in fine form as the doomed hero.

Meaty but somehow not satisfying, and very very long