Paths of Glory (1957) Film Review: Kubrick's powerful anti-war masterpiece is truly timeless

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Adapted from the 1935 novel of the same name by Humphrey Cobb, this classic socio-political commentary on injustice and the corruption of leaders during wartime was written for the screen by Stanley Kubrick, Calder Willingham, and Jim Thompson.

The film stars Kirk Douglas, who would later work with Kubrick once again in Spartacus (1960), as Colonel Dax, the commanding officer of French soldiers who abandon a suicide attack, after which Dax defends them against charges of cowardice in a court-martial.

A scathing examination of military politics, the movie could not be filmed in France due to the negative depiction of their forces, and was instead shot in West Germany; it was later released in France in 1972.

Colonel Dax (Douglas) leads his men in an impressive, authentic set of the WW1 trenches

The movie opens with an expositional voice-over informing viewers of the events that have taken place in our historic setting of the First World War,1916. As can always be expected when it comes to Kubrick-led productions, his signature meticulous and methodical direction and set design are immediately striking within the first few scenes. Georg Krause's incredible eye for visual aesthetics makes for some of the best cinematography ever crafted for the silver screen. The unique choice to utilize black and white photography enhances the movie's transcendent appeal and relevance, coupled with sharp and deep focus shots that immerse us right in the action alongside the brave troops.

Kubrick demonstrates precise scene composition in every sequence, using the available space of the sets and on-location filming to orchestrate natural movement of his actors, ensuring that conversations always remain engaging. Effective long, drawn-out tracking and point of view shots similarly place us in the shoes of the Colonel and his soldiers, enhancing the raw emotion embodied by all the performers. The movie truly looks ahead of its time due to the high-quality filmmaking on display.

Composer Gerald Fried also shines with a very effective score, which complements the story perfectly. The instantly recognisable use of marching drums sets the militaristic and patriotic tone, which is later implemented to great effect during a tense sequence of the men crawling across the apocalyptic, barbed wire-infested 'no man's land'. A bombastic, distinct sound design adds to the realism and grittiness of the incredible 'going over the top' sequence, which presents an organised, strategic military unit courageously entering dangerous, unpredictable territory.

The signature execution scene is both disturbing and deeply profound

The narrative is a well-balanced combination of action-oriented war and philosophical courtroom drama. Kirk Douglas steals the limelight in every scene as an idealistic general betrayed by his country's military leaders. He delivers a magnetic, evocative performance which ranges from emotional restraint to eventual insanity and devastation as the real corruption and demoralising sides of 'war heroes' are gradually revealed. The film is timeless in its thought-provoking exploration of prevalent themes, such as compassion and humanity, injustice, toxic masculinity, and respectful moral standards.

Dialogue during the riveting court martial sequences is emotionally charged and displays the sheer hypocrisy of the proceedings as Dax does everything in his power to defend his men against incorrect accusations of cowardice. All of the film's raw power is transcended by a beautifully moving final scene taking place in an inn, showcasing the real humanity of the ground-level soldiers, who, despite everything, demonstrate sentimental tenderness and continue to serve their country with humility.

Paths of Glory is often considered by many to be one of the greatest war movies ever made, and it is easy to see why. The film wastes no time in drawing viewers in with a deeply impactful, increasingly relevant story of resilience and compassion in the face of tyranny and corruption. Performances across the board are captivating, especially by the reliable leading man Kirk Douglas, and the film simply looks fantastic, put together with careful consideration and planning. A must-see for everyone!

Check out the trailer for Paths of Glory (1957) below, and please let me know your thoughts in the comments!