Review of Paths of Glory (1957) by Jennifer A — 27 Apr 2008

While Stanley Kubrick's 1956 film noir "The Killing" is one of the better films in the genre, Kubrick made his first masterpiece a year later with Paths of Glory. Paths of Glory was said to be a gruelingly realistic portrayal of trench warfare. While I have no experience in the subject, I'll just have to take Winston Churchill's word for it. The trench and battle scenes are among some of the most beautiful and emotionally charged shots Stanley Kubrick has ever captured on film in my opinion, and that's saying a lot. Consider the time this film was made in and it's saying even more considering how tense and powerful he was able to make the sequences. Throw in the brilliant story based off the novel by Humphrey Cobb that details the dirty side of political warfare. One of the real genius aspects of the film is how the film is portraying the French army without using ANY French actor. Obviously, this was an intentional choice by Kubrick. I haven't read up on why exactly but I'm sure he has some anti-something reason for it, and I'd love it. Kirk Douglas delivers a powerful and moving performance as a faux Frenchie that you would expect from him.

I really didn't know what to expect when going into this film. Now I know where all the critical acclaim comes from. This has easily catapulted right into the top ranks of my favorite war films surpassing most if not all modern day efforts. There are sequences, images, and scenes you will never forget in this beautifully shot and brilliantly crafted film.