Review of Paths of Glory (1957) by Edwin P — 11 Nov 2010

The film tells the story of a failed attempt of the French troops under the command of Colonel Dax (Kirk Douglas) in taking over a German fortified enemy stronghold known as Ant Hill. The plan was originally hatched by General George Broulard (Adolphe Menjou) and General Paul Mireau (George Macready). They know that the attack would be suicidal but their primary reasons are to glorify their own selves, fulfill their ambitions and promote their own careers. In order to save his reputation, Gen. Mireau orders a court martial. Col. Dax becomes counsel and tries to save his men from execution. The film chronicles the different paths of glory.

It is very ironic that the first time we see Gen. Mireau on the field trenches, he stops and talks to three soldiers rather hastily - the same three soldiers who would later face court martial for his own benefit.

There is another scene in the movie in which soldiers were talking about death. The question was asked whether it was scarier to die while on the battlefield not knowing when you will actually get killed by enemy artillery or at a planned execution when you know that you will be killed by friendly artillery. While that scene was handled in a lighthearted manner, it was nonetheless, powerful.

The final scene is perhaps one of the most memorable one along with Douglas closing arguments at the court martial. A young German girl sings a song that quiets down an entire tavern full of soldiers celebrating. The song is called, "The Faithful Soldier". While the song is sang in German in the movie, knowing what it was about makes for a very emotional impact. Loosely translated in English, it says, "Once there was a soldier who loved this girl, with a love that would never end...But then he got the word that his beloved lay dying, and he hurried to her side..." The soldiers remember the cruelty of war, their loved ones and how they may never see them again.

Stanley Kubrick creates a sense of realism with the use of long tracking shots and incredible set pieces. Kirk Douglas gives a very commanding performance. The rest of the cast does as well. The movie works very well as an anti-war film. It is based on a true story (at another setting) and the film was banned in France for almost twenty years. How human lives (subordinate soldiers in this case) are actually sacrificed in order to cover up the ill-fated decisions made by self-serving superiors was well covered in this film. While the word cowardice may be used a lot in this movie, it is definitely the themes of bravery as shown by Kirk Douglas' character and those of the three soldiers that prevail.

Unfortunately, not too many people know about this film outside of those familiar with Kubrick's works. It was never nominated for any Academy Awards but to this day remains one of the greatest films ever made.