Paths of Glory (1957)

The stark black and white depiction of the brutal reality of war and the nonchalant manner in which the powers that be play with innocent lives is the subject of a sardonic depiction of the corruption of power in Stanley Kubrick’s ‘Paths of Glory’, set in World War I.

The story revolves around Col. Dax, a lawyer turned officer who commands a French regiment that is holding 

its position against a well-fortified German position called the Anthill. Dax’s superior officer, General Mireau is tempted into setting Dax’s battalion on a suicide mission of taking the seemingly impregnable Anthill, by an offer of promotion by his superior officer, General Boulard. Despite Dax’s protests, he bravely leads his men on a bright and sunny day against the Anthill.

Mid-way through the assault, he discovers that many of his men have not left their trenches as they were afraid. A frustrated General Mireau and a General Boulard, order Dax to pick 3 of his men for court-martial on the grounds of cowardice, in order to set an example for the rest of the French army. To Dax’s disgust, his officers pick 3 men on personal prejudice. Dax offers to defend the men in the court-martial.

Stanley Kubrick’s films often take a cynical look at man’s behavior, when he is in the seat of power. In Spartacus, he shows 2 senators casually having a chat, while 2 gladiators fight to death. In a movie that pre-dates Spartacus, Kubrick shows us the lack of value for human life, as innocent men, who have shown courage under fire are court-martialled for cowardice, while the cowards go unpicked. Through this, he brings out the corruptibility of the human mind and its ability to sacrifice another, for its own good. Georg Krause’ black and white cinematography is fantastic and shows some difficult terrain and scenes clearly.

Krik Douglas, delivers a commanding performance as Col. Dax. His respect for his men and his concern for their lives is evident in his passionate defence. He is the only idealist on scene as he sees politics cloud reason. He is ably supported by Adolphe Menjou as Broulard and George Macready as Mireau.

‘Paths of Glory’ is a mirror to the human mind.