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One
of the most powerful and memorable war films ever made, Stanley
Kubrick's Paths of Glory is not so much an indictment of
war and the military, but more of a critical look at the abuses
of justice by those who hold the power of authority.
The film is set in France, 1916, during World War I in an often
ferocious and bloody war between France and Germany. Driven by the
promise of a promotion, the insensitive and insanely patriotic General
Paul Mireau (George Macready) orders Colonel Dax (Kirk Douglas)
to lead a small battalion into an impossible mission where they
are to take possession a key position held by the Germans. After
the mission fails, Gen. Mireau orders three men under Dax's command
to be placed on trial for cowardice, the penalty being death by
firing squad. The three men (played by Joseph Tunkel, Timothy Carey,
and Ralph Meeker) deal with the prospect of their upcoming deaths
in different ways, as Col. Dax - who is also a criminal attorney
- prepares to defend them.
Based on the minor successful book by Humprhey Cobb, Paths of
Glory contains a number of heavy moral and ethical themes, while
displaying a rich eye for detail with its impressive set design
and authentic looking costumes.
All though it is one of his much earlier works, Kubrick displays
masterful direction as shown in a number of key scenes, most notably
a fluid tracking shot in the French trenches, a frustrating trial
by fire set in a large marble room (which is caught beautifully
by cinematographer Georg Krause), and a deafening action sequence
that features a plethora of bombs dropped at a never ending rate,
which is enhanced by Gerald Fried's percussion heavy score.
The performances on hand are very good. Kirk Douglas brings the
desired qualities of strength, honour, and intelligence to the role
of Col. Dax, and George Macready serves up a sinisterly sadistic
turn as the easily detestable General who delivers discipline through
death, all the while with a smile on his face and patriotism in
his heart.
Its simple yet heartbreaking conclusion leaves an undeniable sense
of mourning for the events that has preceded it and will linger
in the souls of those who have watched this remarkable film.
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