Movie #160 and #161 Paths of Glory *1957*

Kirk Douglas - Col Dax
Ralph Meeker - Cpl. Philippe Paris
Timothy Carey - Pvt. Maurice Ferol

I found an apparent flaw in my movie tracking system.  Sometimes I forget to note that I have watched a movie.  I watched Stanley Kubrick's movie Paths of Glory a few months ago.  I purchased the Criterion Collection Blu Ray re-release last weekend and I figured on doing a "3 Reasons" due to the recent review of the movie.  However when I began searching I realized that I had never written a review of the film.  Sorry about the error.

Every cinephile is required by the code to salivate over Kubrick.  And with good reason.   He is the most influancial American director of his time.  There are dozens of fantastic directors from the 50's - 80's but Kubrick's star out shines them all.  He was that the helm of the films that represent the penicle of cinema for 40 years.  2001, Dr. Strangelove, Clockwork Orange, The Shining, The Killing, and this film. Kubrick's second tier (Killers Kiss, Lolita, Barry Lyndon, Full Metal Jacket) are more compelling, thought provoking and ambitious than most directors best.

Paths of Glory is the story of a French army unit that was ordered to take an enemy strong hold even though it was known to be impossible and a suicide mission.  Then when the few lucky were able to retreat, they were tried as cowards by a power hungry officer.  This sounds like weighty subject matter and it is.  But Kubrick's intent seems to be to expose the hypocrisy and absurdity of war.  This is the most horrifically funny movie I have ever seen.  He uses the lunacy of patriotism to unearth the dark comedy within the military system.

In addition to the underlying humor there is magnificent cinematography.  Kubrick was a master at knowing where to put and how to move his camera.  A few shots that come to mind are 1. In the trench.  The camera tracks through the trench as it passes countless injured soldiers.  2. On the battle field.  Kubrick moves the camera parallel to an attempted attack.  We see the horrors of war.  This shot has been copied in countless battle scenes ever since. 3. On a scouting mission.  We follow 3 soldiers on a reconnaissance mission.  We look out on the war torn battle field.  Then a flare is fired and we see that in the light the landscape is littered and shaped by dozen of fallen soldiers.  Then the flare and our view fades into the night.

I again feel that I don't possess the intellect or vocabulary to review this film appropriately.  Kirk Douglas is fantastic as the commanding officer.  He is 100% man.  Sharp and tough.  Loyal beyond measure and witty enough to go toe-to-toe with with any competitors.  Ralph Meeker as the truly cowardice officer is smarmy and  despicable.  Then I wanted to mention Timothy Carey.  What a wonderful character actor.  If he were still alive today I would LOVE to see him in a Tim Burton film.  He feels so out of place in this film, yet he fits the character perfectly.

The Criterion Collection Podcast reviewed this movie a few weeks ago and did a much better job of it than I am.  I highly recommend you check it out if you have any interest in seeing this film.  I easily give Paths of Glory ★★★★★.  Check out the Trailer Park to see for yourself.