Review of Paths of Glory (1957) by Mike G — 01 Apr 2010

A thundering version of La Marseillaise is the first thing we hear as the credits role, and it is also the first in a long line of cruel ironies that are a hallmark of Stanley Kubrick, genius filmmaker. This patriotically fervent anthem leads us straight into an elegant château where the principal scar-faced murderer General Mireau has set up his headquarters. His superior, General Broulard, the only one who really seems to understand what war is all about and with a minimum of scruples, compliments him on his quarters:

"Well, this is splendid. Superb! Grand, very grand.".

"Well, I've tried to create a pleasant atmosphere in which to work.".

"You've succeeded marvelously. I wish I had your taste in carpets and pictures.".

"You're much too kind, George. Sit down, George.".

And so on...

And you quickly get the idea that POG is a sort of polished dress rehearsal of even greater ironies and military paradoxes to come with the masterful Dr. Strangelove.

And it continues, with no scene wasted, as these two tasteful generals in their pleasant atmospheres become the authors of much bloodshed in a vain and ill-advised frontal assault on the pervasive and all powerful Ant Hill, "the key to the whole sector.".

The way Kubrick filmed the actual attack makes it both exciting and completely nerve- racking in a most convincing way. The screaming shells and explosions are powerful, but donâ??t seem phony. Just watch.

We get to know the soldiers too through some fine acting with Ralph Meeker, Joe Turkel(3 time Kubrick actor), Richard Anderson, Wayne Morris and the world's greatest sinner himself Timothy Carey. It's also Kirk Douglas at his best, one his self-acknowledged favorites. Adolphe Menjou and George Macready as well, just sensational! And can't fail to mention that Kubrick's widow Christiane sings wonderfully to the surviving troops in the tour de force ending.

Should I stop writing now? Well you can tell that I think it's an exceptional picture, and that brings me to black and white and how certain ones won't even give it a chance these days and dismiss black and white as if itâ??s obsolete. They don't know how to watch movies! German Expressionism counted on black and white, Google it. Anyways, the thought of colorizing POG makes me want to vomit!