I've been a fan of Stanley Kubrick since I first saw "A Clockwork Orange" 10 years ago at the age of 15. Many film scholars more articulate than myself could go on about the depth of his films, and I would surely agree.
But, unfortunately, "Paths of Glory" is hardly ever mentioned when Kubrick's films are discussed. Of course, "Spartacus," "2001," "The Shining," "Full Metal Jacket," and "A Clockwork Orange" are classics, but this film is just as good. One of my friends has the Kubrick Collection that was released on video last year. Sadly this isn't in the box set. I honestly hadn't even heard of it until I watched it in a war film class last spring. What a revelation. The cinematography is awesome. The scenes of men walking through the trenches were later duplicated by Kubrick himself, but these work the best.
Kubrick knows how to pull at our heart strings. He doesn't leave us with any doubt as to how he feels about war. This film makes a definite statement. Most films work as entertainment. This one works as a true piece of art. Possibly Kubrick's best.
But, unfortunately, "Paths of Glory" is hardly ever mentioned when Kubrick's films are discussed. Of course, "Spartacus," "2001," "The Shining," "Full Metal Jacket," and "A Clockwork Orange" are classics, but this film is just as good. One of my friends has the Kubrick Collection that was released on video last year. Sadly this isn't in the box set. I honestly hadn't even heard of it until I watched it in a war film class last spring. What a revelation. The cinematography is awesome. The scenes of men walking through the trenches were later duplicated by Kubrick himself, but these work the best.
Kubrick knows how to pull at our heart strings. He doesn't leave us with any doubt as to how he feels about war. This film makes a definite statement. Most films work as entertainment. This one works as a true piece of art. Possibly Kubrick's best.