A Complete Synopsis Of The War Classic Paths Of Glory
In 1957, Stanley Kubrick directed a movie that would change the face of war as no one had seen before on the silver screen. Inspired to bring the novel by Humphrey Cobb he read in his school days to life in live action, Kubrick embarked on a journey to reveal the seedy underbelly of war that few people dare to think about. Paths of Glory sparked much controversy across the nation, and even in other countries, temporarily hindering the careers of Kubrick and the lead actors involved. However, when this taboo lifted, it only revealed the truth and irony of the film’s message.
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.
Set in the vicious trench warfare of the First World War, the story takes its cues from the pure humanity of its characters, all of them showing weakness, strength, and the undeniable desire to survive. This leads numerous film critics to credit the movie with encouraging a more realistic approach to telling the story of battle. They also applaud the artistic and technical merits the story delivers through the precise delivery of its actors, and the complex emotional quality each character portrays, even without lengthy back-stories.
Despite the colonel’s best efforts to rally his troops and fulfill the order given by the general, everyone in the company feels a looming sense of failure. Made concrete by the quick slaughtering of just about every man who leaves the trench, many stay behind, positive there is no way to win. The observing general then accuses the regiment of cowardice, and three men are chosen to take the blame for the French failure. The judgment that ensues is the main motivation for the story, and just like the attempted attack, takes the characters down a dark journey in which no one can see a light at the end.
The drama of this warning tale is effectively told through the medium of black and white film, giving the audience just as much emotional depth and drama as a film in full color. Though the art of using black and white is almost obsolete, some artistic directors and photographers still utilize its stark effect to convey the film noir style from the days before color and for its ability to create extreme contrasts. For example, in Paths of Glory, Kubrick utilizes the pitch black and dark gray in the trenches to contrast with the bright white within the overly elaborate and comfortable military headquarters.
One of the only noticeable flaws a person of today may find curious about the film is an artifact from the times and the limits with which movie makers were faced. The opening scene watches as the general and his superior discuss the radical plan concocted by the French General Staff, choreographed as a progressive movement throughout the general’s room. The purpose of this was to accommodate for the limitation number of cameras and angles they were able to achieve. The actors’ pacing kept the scene interesting and active during long bouts of dialogue and information revealing.
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.
Though Paths of Glory did not become a wild success in the box office, film critics claim its inclusion with the great classics of storytelling history. The message behind the film remains potent, even today, as the conflict with death and the value of a life still burden us today. Though the director himself believed it was impossible to create an anti-war movie directly, he did manage to create a fantastically deep gaze into the judgment of how wars are run, and what sacrifices should be justly made.
In those days, actors wore mask to portray differentcharacters. Family Movie Rental I absolutely love this site over all the other ones that I have tried, for ipod movie downloads. They may simply be too busy to play sessions, or you may be.
