Stanley Kubrick’s 
Paths of Glory (1957) was his first full-length feature devoted to war, a subject that he would revisit several times throughout his career. Today, his later film Full Metal Jacket (1987) is generally held in higher regard, or at least is more widely remembered. Paths of Glory, however, is one of Kubrick’s greatest works in my eyes.
The central theme running through Kubrick’s work is the struggle of man to maintain his individuality and control over his life in the face of larger forces. Perhaps this is seen no more clearly than in the military, and explains why Kubrick revisited the subject of war so frequently.
The film tells the tale of Colonel Dax, played by Kirk Douglas, a member of the French military during WWI. In order to advance his reputation and earn another medal, General Mireau, played by George Macready, orders a suicidal attack on a German encampment known as the “anthill.” While talking to Dax, Mireau reveals that he expects the attack to cost approximately 65% of Dax’s troops. Dax is hesitant, but goes through with the order. However, he is quickly required to retreat.
The lives of the soldiers of Dax’s regiment are tossed away by Mireau in order to gain himself recognition. He is fully aware it is a suicide mission. When the soldiers retreat to their trench, Mireau orders another unit to open fire on them in order to get them to move. The other unit refuses, and Mireau has several of the members of Dax’s regiment put up on charges of cowardice. During the trial, they have very little say, instead having to rely on Dax to protect them, a task in which he is ultimately unsuccessful.
The acting in the film is excellent. As is always the case with Kubrick, the editing, cinematography, and music are exceptional. The early tracking shots through the trenches are among Kubrick’s best. The Criterion Collection recently released the film on DVD. Perhaps this re-release will allow the film to finally rise and attain the widespread recognition that it deserves.
cahiersoncinema 
Michael Black
/ February 29, 2012I was kinda waiting for the guys to be rescued at the last minute, whisked away by the colonel or something. I guess its good that they died from a cinematic perspective, but it made it hard to watch.