Review of Paths of Glory (1957) by Matthew R — 28 Mar 2013

"Paths of Glory" (1957) directed by Stanley Kubrick. A great anti-war war film set during the First World War and is a bit like a cross between "All Quiet on the Western Front" and "Breaker Morant".

Adapted from Humphrey Cobb's novel of the same name which in turn was loosely based on a true event, Kubrick turns his cynical eye on the absurdity of war and human nature, although I think he was still an idealist underneath at this point and you can see him sympathising with Colonel Dax (Kirk Douglas).

The film's plot revolves around Colonel Dax, a lawyer in his civilian life, who volunteers to defend a group of four French soldiers who are being court martialed as an example because their divison of the army where either unable or unwilling to complete a suicide mission aimed at capturing the German occupied anthill.

(During the mission, the General who prosecutes them also gave an order for the French artillery to shell this same division on his own side for refusing orders, an order which itself was refused). Dax tries to exonerate the four soldiers but it is a kangaroo court and he is not allowed to bring any evidence to support them such as their previous exemplary record of bravery and character witnesses.

Also his citing the conditions in which the Men found themselves during the battle, including the fact that one of the Men was rendered unconscious and another was left alone with only one other soldier, are ignored.

A thought provoking film. Nothing shows the futility and absurdity of war more clearly than the events of the First World War. A brilliant film.