Paths of Glory

Paths of Glory is a masterfully executed film that tells the story of the soldiers of the 701st Infantry Regiment who are ordered to undertake a mission that is destined to fail. This emotionally charged movie is directed by Stanley Kubrick, and it stars a cast of exceptional actors, including Kirk Douglas, Adolphe Menjou, and Timothy Carey.

The film opens with an overview of the harsh and regimented lives of the soldiers in the trenches of the French Army during World War I. As the story progresses, the soldiers are ordered to attack an impregnable German stronghold known as the anthill. However, the attack is a complete failure, with many soldiers suffering unbearable losses.

The movie takes an emotional turn when the general in charge orders that three soldiers be selected at random to stand trial and face a firing squad for cowardice in the face of the enemy. Colonel Dax (Kirk Douglas) is assigned to defend the accused soldiers, but as the trial unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that it is nothing but a sham.

Paths of Glory is a powerful movie that exposes the grim realities of war and the callousness of those in power. The movie’s visual style, coupled with the stunning performances by the cast, creates an immersive experience that transports viewers into the mud, blood, and gore of the battlefield.

One of the standout performances in the movie is by Kirk Douglas, who plays Colonel Dax. Douglas manages to convey the struggles and emotions of his character effortlessly, and his portrayal of a man trying to do what is right while being caught in the machinations of a corrupt system is both moving and thought-provoking.

In conclusion, Paths of Glory is a must-watch movie that shines a light on the dark side of human nature and the tragedies of war. With its exceptional direction, stunning cinematography, and outstanding performances, this movie is a masterclass in filmmaking and storytelling. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and emotional movie experience.

Lesson about Paths of Glory

We can learn lessons on the cruelty of war and injustice from the movie Paths of Glory 1957.

The Best of Paths of Glory

• 1. Masterful direction and cinematography: Paths of Glory is widely regarded as one of Stanley Kubrick‘s finest works, with his trademark visual style and technical prowess on full display. The film’s cinematography, in particular, stands out for its use of low angles and deep focus to emphasize the scale and brutality of the film’s battle sequences.
• 2. Powerful performances: The film’s cast, which includes iconic actor Kirk Douglas in the lead role, delivers strong performances throughout, bringing to life the complex and often conflicted characters. Douglas, in particular, stands out for his portrayal of Colonel Dax, a deeply moral and determined officer who becomes increasingly disillusioned by the senseless violence of war.
• 3. Thought-provoking themes: Paths of Glory tackles complex themes of authority, justice, and the morality of warfare, offering a scathing critique of the unquestioning obedience to authority that can lead to so much destruction and suffering. The film’s exploration of these themes remains relevant today, making it a timeless and thought-provoking work of cinema.

Week points of Paths of Glory

• 1. Lack of Character Development – While the movie presented several interesting characters, including many of the soldiers whose lives were put at risk during the events depicted in the film, the director failed to give them adequate screen time to flesh out their backstories, motivations, and personalities. This made it difficult for audiences to fully connect with the characters and care about their fates.
• 2. Simplistic Depiction of War – Paths of Glory presents a very black and white view of war, with the French military portrayed as oppressive and cruel, while the soldiers are presented as helpless victims. While there is no doubt that the reality of war is often brutal and inhumane, the oversimplified presentation of events in the film can feel heavy-handed and overly simplified.
• 3. Some Stereotypical Performances – While the acting in general was good, some of the performances felt somewhat stereotypical. For example, the French military commander Colonel Dax was portrayed as a noble and selfless hero, while the soldiers under his command were presented as simple-minded brutes. This simplified portrayal detracts from a more nuanced view of events and characters, and could undermine the overall impact of the story.

Technical details of Paths of Glory