'Paths of Glory': the sadly little-known breakthrough Kubrick film which has somehow eluded the more common filmgoer all too long.
It is true within itself and true to itself; it does not flinch, nor waver.
Such are characteristically the films of the late director Stanley Kubrick.
Their searing honesty is an indictment of sorts, but to the constructive purpose of a better understanding through imagery and storytelling.
Kubrick's knack for perfection, various defining filmmaking techniques, and the subject matter of his films are at once unique and outstanding.
'Paths of Glory' was a film no other had dared make due to its glaring indictment of the French trial during WWII.
Indeed, the book 'Paths of Glory' by Humphrey Cobb, had been out for some 20 years.
The French were so offended (or disgraced) by the film as to ban it from their nation for another ten or so years, until the early 1970s.
This is one of the finest war films in existence - indeed, one of the finest films there is.
It rivals 'The Deer Hunter', 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'All Quiet on the Western Front' for the position of 'best' made film, both technically and emotionally.
But 'Paths of Glory' has something more going for it, which is its running time.
In sharp contrast with the emotionally shattering powerhouse 'The Deer Hunter' (Best Picture, 1978), which ran a full 183 minutes in length, 'Paths of Glory' runs a mere 86 minutes.
And so, for the given time, 'Paths of Glory' accomplishes more than any other war film to date.
It weaves its truth-based plot meticulously around its taut performance pieces from revered actors Kirk Douglas, Ralph Meeker and George Macready.
In 1957, Kubrick had but 2 films to his credit, 'Killer's Kiss' (1955) and 'The Killing' (1956), so to make his dream of visionary perfectionist filmmaking reality, Kubrick needed something more.
That something happened to be 'Paths of Glory'.
It was the first of his films to deal with the futility of war, an idea to be echoed in his later films, specifically 'Dr Strangelove, or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb' (1964) and 'Full Metal Jacket' (1987).
Kubrick is a rarity in filmmaking, due to his visionary expertise and perfectionism.
He was reclusive and determined, preferring his controlled British studio setting.
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