Review of Paths of Glory (1957) by Zach C — 07 Aug 2009

We, fans of Kubrick, tend to cite "Barry Lyndon" (1975) as the director's most underrated film, however, I believe it is "Paths of Glory" that is buried under his "massive" filmography. Although it is evident the film isn't quite as saturated with the Kubrick style we all know and love, it is still undoubtedly ingenious; showing a rare versatility of talent.

Movie-goers generally do not associate Kubrick with emotional films. However true (or untrue) this may be "Paths of Glory" is most certainly the exception. Critics refer to the heart-wrenching final scene so frequently that the preceding 80 minutes of despondency you're put through is almost, unfairly, overshadowed (just as this film is with Kubrick's later work). The sorrow we feel throughout the film is portrayed brilliantly just as we saw later in the final scenes of "Spartacus" (1960) and the loss of Redmond's son in "Barry Lyndon" (1975) and (perhaps more appropriately) the assault Private Pyle receives from his fellow soldiers in "Full Metal Jacket" (1987).

Intense, emotional, and unpromising, "Paths of Glory" is an astounding early masterpiece from one of America's greatest filmmakers.