In 1957, Stanley Kubrick directed a movie that would change the face of war as no one had seen before on the silver screen. Inspired to bring the novel by Humphrey Cobb he read in his school days to life in live action, Kubrick embarked on a journey to reveal the seedy underbelly of war that few people dare to think about. Paths of Glory sparked much controversy across the nation, and even in other countries, temporarily hindering the careers of Kubrick and the lead actors involved. However, when this taboo lifted, it only revealed the truth and irony of the film's message.
In an effort to please the politicians and civilians who grow tired of a lasting stalemate between French forces and invading German troops, The French General Staff devises a foolhardy idea. The normally reasonable general in charge of the forces the plan pertains to convinces himself that it is a plausible idea after the possibility of his promotion is mentioned. He relays this to the colonel overseeing the deadly World War I trench, and the colonel sees the sad truth surrounding the hopeless mission, without the ability to take action against it.
Set in the vicious trench warfare of the First World War, the story takes its cues from the pure humanity of its characters, all of them showing weakness, strength, and the undeniable desire to survive. This leads numerous film critics to credit the movie with encouraging a more realistic approach to telling the story of battle. They also applaud the artistic and technical merits the story delivers through the precise delivery of its actors, and the complex emotional quality each character portrays, even without lengthy back-stories.
The plight of Colonel Dax to defend the lives, honor, and rights of his troops is among the most heroic ventures a character can take. When the attack fails, as the Colonel and every soldier involved predicts, the General points to the troops themselves as the cause for their acts of cowardice. With the random assignment of three soldiers to take the fall for the entire regiment, the main hook of the story begins, and a court hearing begins to decide their fate.
The drama of this warning tale is effectively told through the medium of black and white film, giving the audience just as much emotional depth and drama as a film in full color. Though the art of using black and white is almost obsolete, some artistic directors and photographers still utilize its stark effect to convey the film noir style from the days before color and for its ability to create extreme contrasts. For example, in Paths of Glory, Kubrick utilizes the pitch black and dark gray in the trenches to contrast with the bright white within the overly elaborate and comfortable military headquarters.
One of the only noticeable flaws a person of today may find curious about the film is an artifact from the times and the limits with which movie makers were faced. The opening scene watches as the general and his superior discuss the radical plan concocted by the French General Staff, choreographed as a progressive movement throughout the general's room. The purpose of this was to accommodate for the limitation number of cameras and angles they were able to achieve. The actors' pacing kept the scene interesting and active during long bouts of dialogue and information revealing.
By following the story of three soldiers doomed to death by their superiors for unjust causes, the French and many other European countries banned the movie for many years before cultural policies on such material loosened. Film critics acclaim it as the first challenger to the idea that war is completely honorable and glorious. The ironic and emotional journey the plot takes leave audiences with both warnings and questions about those in power, and the motives behind making enemies out of those who should be allies.
Although Paths of Glory did not make a large profit upon its release, it remains a potent classic in film history for all time. Teachers of many liberal art subjects show the film to their students to discuss the moral dilemmas and valiant versus selfish motives. While many war movies may have their glory day come and go, the underrated tale of Paths of Glory sticks around as a time honored classic any film appreciator should see. - 40729
In an effort to please the politicians and civilians who grow tired of a lasting stalemate between French forces and invading German troops, The French General Staff devises a foolhardy idea. The normally reasonable general in charge of the forces the plan pertains to convinces himself that it is a plausible idea after the possibility of his promotion is mentioned. He relays this to the colonel overseeing the deadly World War I trench, and the colonel sees the sad truth surrounding the hopeless mission, without the ability to take action against it.
Set in the vicious trench warfare of the First World War, the story takes its cues from the pure humanity of its characters, all of them showing weakness, strength, and the undeniable desire to survive. This leads numerous film critics to credit the movie with encouraging a more realistic approach to telling the story of battle. They also applaud the artistic and technical merits the story delivers through the precise delivery of its actors, and the complex emotional quality each character portrays, even without lengthy back-stories.
The plight of Colonel Dax to defend the lives, honor, and rights of his troops is among the most heroic ventures a character can take. When the attack fails, as the Colonel and every soldier involved predicts, the General points to the troops themselves as the cause for their acts of cowardice. With the random assignment of three soldiers to take the fall for the entire regiment, the main hook of the story begins, and a court hearing begins to decide their fate.
The drama of this warning tale is effectively told through the medium of black and white film, giving the audience just as much emotional depth and drama as a film in full color. Though the art of using black and white is almost obsolete, some artistic directors and photographers still utilize its stark effect to convey the film noir style from the days before color and for its ability to create extreme contrasts. For example, in Paths of Glory, Kubrick utilizes the pitch black and dark gray in the trenches to contrast with the bright white within the overly elaborate and comfortable military headquarters.
One of the only noticeable flaws a person of today may find curious about the film is an artifact from the times and the limits with which movie makers were faced. The opening scene watches as the general and his superior discuss the radical plan concocted by the French General Staff, choreographed as a progressive movement throughout the general's room. The purpose of this was to accommodate for the limitation number of cameras and angles they were able to achieve. The actors' pacing kept the scene interesting and active during long bouts of dialogue and information revealing.
By following the story of three soldiers doomed to death by their superiors for unjust causes, the French and many other European countries banned the movie for many years before cultural policies on such material loosened. Film critics acclaim it as the first challenger to the idea that war is completely honorable and glorious. The ironic and emotional journey the plot takes leave audiences with both warnings and questions about those in power, and the motives behind making enemies out of those who should be allies.
Although Paths of Glory did not make a large profit upon its release, it remains a potent classic in film history for all time. Teachers of many liberal art subjects show the film to their students to discuss the moral dilemmas and valiant versus selfish motives. While many war movies may have their glory day come and go, the underrated tale of Paths of Glory sticks around as a time honored classic any film appreciator should see. - 40729
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