Paths of Glory was originally written as a novel by Humphrey Cobb, a story which would turn into one of the greatest war movie classics made in the 50's. Considered to be one among the most potent movies directed by Stanley Kubrick, this black and white close up at the politics of war has had audiences cringing for nearly half a century. Based on the French army's efforts against the Germans during World War I, the movie takes a different turn then most war stories, examining the enemy from within, rather than those outside.
In an effort to please the politicians and civilians who grow tired of a lasting stalemate between French forces and invading German troops, The French General Staff devises a foolhardy idea. The normally reasonable general in charge of the forces the plan pertains to convinces himself that it is a plausible idea after the possibility of his promotion is mentioned. He relays this to the colonel overseeing the deadly World War I trench, and the colonel sees the sad truth surrounding the hopeless mission, without the ability to take action against it.
Many critics from the time and today esteem Paths of Glory among the most powerful stories of war told in film, driven by its extremely personal viewpoint on the characters and their internal struggles. As a director, Kubrick draws excellent performances from all of his actors, giving the audience insight into the subtle undertones beneath every character's actual lines. This is the key element that gives the movie its humanitarian pull and makes it almost terrifyingly relatable.
The plight of Colonel Dax to defend the lives, honor, and rights of his troops is among the most heroic ventures a character can take. When the attack fails, as the Colonel and every soldier involved predicts, the General points to the troops themselves as the cause for their acts of cowardice. With the random assignment of three soldiers to take the fall for the entire regiment, the main hook of the story begins, and a court hearing begins to decide their fate.
As with all black and white films from the time, use of lighting and color gradient (how dark an object appears when turned into gray instead of color) are the most important aspects to creating the visual experience. Even without the modern use of CGI effects, let alone color, good directing and cinematography can depict a range of emotion just as deep in black and white film as any other medium. Kubrick uses the dense blackness of the trench scene at night to instill fear, and the spotty lighting of Colonel Dax's bunker to present doubt when the General delivers the order.
One technical issue that many in today's audience may notice is the tendency of the characters to pace around the room during thoughts and speech, sometimes to an unrealistic extreme. The reason for this is to keep the feeling of motion alive while characters are set in lengthy conversations. With the limited ability to move the camera itself due to the touchy nature of lighting at the time, shot diversity depended on the actors' theatrical movements and gestures to stay interesting.
By following the story of three soldiers doomed to death by their superiors for unjust causes, the French and many other European countries banned the movie for many years before cultural policies on such material loosened. Film critics acclaim it as the first challenger to the idea that war is completely honorable and glorious. The ironic and emotional journey the plot takes leave audiences with both warnings and questions about those in power, and the motives behind making enemies out of those who should be allies.
Although Paths of Glory did not make a large profit upon its release, it remains a potent classic in film history for all time. Teachers of many liberal art subjects show the film to their students to discuss the moral dilemmas and valiant versus selfish motives. While many war movies may have their glory day come and go, the underrated tale of Paths of Glory sticks around as a time honored classic any film appreciator should see.
In an effort to please the politicians and civilians who grow tired of a lasting stalemate between French forces and invading German troops, The French General Staff devises a foolhardy idea. The normally reasonable general in charge of the forces the plan pertains to convinces himself that it is a plausible idea after the possibility of his promotion is mentioned. He relays this to the colonel overseeing the deadly World War I trench, and the colonel sees the sad truth surrounding the hopeless mission, without the ability to take action against it.
Many critics from the time and today esteem Paths of Glory among the most powerful stories of war told in film, driven by its extremely personal viewpoint on the characters and their internal struggles. As a director, Kubrick draws excellent performances from all of his actors, giving the audience insight into the subtle undertones beneath every character's actual lines. This is the key element that gives the movie its humanitarian pull and makes it almost terrifyingly relatable.
The plight of Colonel Dax to defend the lives, honor, and rights of his troops is among the most heroic ventures a character can take. When the attack fails, as the Colonel and every soldier involved predicts, the General points to the troops themselves as the cause for their acts of cowardice. With the random assignment of three soldiers to take the fall for the entire regiment, the main hook of the story begins, and a court hearing begins to decide their fate.
As with all black and white films from the time, use of lighting and color gradient (how dark an object appears when turned into gray instead of color) are the most important aspects to creating the visual experience. Even without the modern use of CGI effects, let alone color, good directing and cinematography can depict a range of emotion just as deep in black and white film as any other medium. Kubrick uses the dense blackness of the trench scene at night to instill fear, and the spotty lighting of Colonel Dax's bunker to present doubt when the General delivers the order.
One technical issue that many in today's audience may notice is the tendency of the characters to pace around the room during thoughts and speech, sometimes to an unrealistic extreme. The reason for this is to keep the feeling of motion alive while characters are set in lengthy conversations. With the limited ability to move the camera itself due to the touchy nature of lighting at the time, shot diversity depended on the actors' theatrical movements and gestures to stay interesting.
By following the story of three soldiers doomed to death by their superiors for unjust causes, the French and many other European countries banned the movie for many years before cultural policies on such material loosened. Film critics acclaim it as the first challenger to the idea that war is completely honorable and glorious. The ironic and emotional journey the plot takes leave audiences with both warnings and questions about those in power, and the motives behind making enemies out of those who should be allies.
Although Paths of Glory did not make a large profit upon its release, it remains a potent classic in film history for all time. Teachers of many liberal art subjects show the film to their students to discuss the moral dilemmas and valiant versus selfish motives. While many war movies may have their glory day come and go, the underrated tale of Paths of Glory sticks around as a time honored classic any film appreciator should see.
About the Author:
Hopefully, it's a habit not too many people have. Downloads Movies You won't believe how high the stakes are now and what lengths they are willing to go to get your dollar. These are the notably obvious and widely used iPod download websites now.
No comments:
Post a Comment