Review of Paths of Glory (1957) by Johannes R — 14 Apr 2017

19.1.2011.

One of the most powerful war-movies I've ever seen. The story itself points to the absurdity of war and military discipline, and at times the dialogue of the generals approaches the tone of Dr. Strangelove. Visually the film is masterful - best remembered are the moving camera shots in the trenches and at the battlefield, but the compositions throughout the film are just perfect. The long takes and the pacing create a sense of time. The production design of the castle and the dance scene bring to mind Kubrick's later films, such as 2001, The Shining and Eyes Wide Shut. Like in the latter, the uppermost classes don't give any worth to lives of the members of the lower class. Kirk Douglas' Colonel Dex is one of his most memorable characters: a man of human understanding of the situation, of the military, and still willing to live inside this structure.