Welcome to The Best Movies I’ve Never Seen! This is the part of the blog where I work my way through 100 films I’ve never seen that are generally considered to be great. You’re invited to watch along with me if you can find a copy or find it streaming. So grab some popcorn and let’s get started!

Paths of Glory

1957

Directed by Stanley Kubrick

Stanley Kubrick’s 1957 anti-war film Paths of Glory is a stark, unflinching look at the futility and brutality of war. Based on the novel by Humphrey Cobb, the film stars Kirk Douglas as Colonel Dax, a French commanding officer during World War I who tries to defend three soldiers accused of cowardice after their battalion refuses a suicidal attack on a heavily fortified German position.

The storyline originated from the real-life Souain corporals affair in 1915, where four French soldiers were executed for failing to obey orders. While a fictionalized account, Paths of Glory relentlessly exposes the incompetence and callousness of the French high command, as generals blithely send men to their slaughter then scapegoat a few to set an “example.” Douglas is excellent as the principled, courageous Dax, while George Macready oozes smarmy ambition and indifference as his superior, General Mireau.

Besides the strong lead performance by Douglas, the film features an outstanding supporting cast. Familiar character actors like Wayne Morris, Joe Turkel, Ralph Meeker, and Timothy Carey (later replaced by a double) bring grit and realism to their roles as the condemned soldiers. Adolphe Menjou shines as the delusional, decorated General Broulard who sanctions the executions.

Behind the scenes, Kubrick’s meticulous nature and burgeoning perfectionism led to friction with the veteran Menjou. After 17 takes of one scene, Menjou exploded and told Kubrick off in front of the crew. Unfazed, Kubrick calmly asked for another take, and the consummate professional Menjou returned to work without further complaint. This early incident showcases Kubrick’s drive for precision and control despite obstacles.

From a technical perspective, Paths of Glory exhibits Kubrick’s mastery of camerawork and editing. The skillful cinematography by Georg Krause evokes newsreel realism, while the sparse soundtrack punctuated by martial drums heightens the grim atmosphere. The editing moves at a crisp pace, yet key scenes like the harrowing execution sequence convey emotional depth through careful composition and cutting.

While Paths of Glory met with controversy in Europe due to its critical portrayal of the French army, it was praised by critics in America, cementing Kubrick’s rising reputation. Today, it is regarded as one of the preeminent anti-war films, a sobering dramatization of humanity’s capacity for callousness and injustice during wartime hysteria. Both as a historical document and a timeless statement on authoritarian systems, Paths of Glory retains its stark power and relevance. Kubrick’s unsentimental direction and the committed performances result in a shattering viewing experience that lingers long afterwards.