A splendid little war

Rating: 9/10 (17 April 2012)

IMDb Top 250: 49
That's a quote used to describe the Spanish- American war just before the turn of the century. And when you're the one whose quotes get remembered, you can say whatever positive things you want because its not you out on the battlefield. Paths of Glory examines an aspect of war different from the direct horrors soldiers see: it focuses on the gap between those in power and those without.
In its message Paths of Glory is very specific, unlike another Great War film, All Quiet on the Western Front, which plays like a history textbook. They're both devastating, and both incredible. Paths of Glory is overwhelmingly negative, so the effect is overwhelmingly positive.
Like a great, one cannot fully explain the reasons that make this great. The film opens to a general bullying another general. Eventually the second gives in, upon the issue of a promotion coming into question. He then passes the ridiculous order onto Dax (Kirk Douglas) who has no choice but to accept, despite being told just how bad it will be. We are then treated to some fantastic trench tracking shots,and then the battle occurs: it's chilling. A massive slaughter, very busy. Extraordinarily well done. Despite this, there's more courtroom drama than action, and the dialogue (and script) holds up excellently. There are some simply brilliant lines.
Kubrick could finally go epic, with sweeping war scenes and indulgent 'civilized' halls. In a recurring pattern, the film is a technical marvel, with tight trenches, craters of mud, and explosions occurring feet from living actors. There are fantastic shots, namely the famous tracking shots, as well as trademark Kubrick lighting and nerve wracking music.
Like another 1957 war film, the Bridge on the River Kwai, futility is king. If the enemy won't kill these men, we will! Ridiculous logic from ridiculous men. This film was banned in France for years, but it could've been applied to any nation: Britain, Russia, even Germany.
The emotions of Paths of Glory are superbly delivered by the cast. Steely Kirk Douglas leads as Col. Dax, the man of honour, who honestly fights for his men selflessly, and leads to a spectacular outburst at the end. And you can tell it's going to happen throughout the film, he has a pent- up rage just beneath his skin. Opposite him are the two ignorant generals. Actors Macready and Menjou are great playing terribly self centered men, thinking more of their status than the status of their men. The soldiers show true desperation, such as Timothy Carey in a complete reversal from his hilarious role in the Killing. It's all gut wrenching.
Then comes the ending, which wraps everything up that was started in this 88 minute epic. I won't spoil anything, except say that it's very fitting and hammers in the point, unlike Killer's Kiss which uprooted the entire film.
If I haven't gotten it across to you, Paths of Glory is a fantastic anti war film where the good guys aren't the good guys, and with power comes irresponsibility. Even in black and white the film feels very modern. 9.2/10