Paths Of Glory (1957) 2 Filmmakers react! 1st Time Watching for MAJOR! KUBRICK-FEST!

[@cojaysea]

The acting in Paths of glory is just incredible. Adolf Menjou especially.

[@TJClark-sw2yz]

The closing scene in the tavern always makes me a little verklempt. The soldiers don’t understand her words ,more than likely,but they connect with the emotion. For your next Kubrick I vote for Barry Lyndon. Regardless of what you pick,you can count me in. Thanks as always for your content. Cheers.

[@flarrfan]

Barry Lyndon is a long and generally boring story, but the cinematography is magnificent. Worth watching just for that.

[@AlexG1020]

Barry Lyndon is a must

[@magicbrownie1357]

Another Kubrick masterpiece. Not as well known, or seen as his other work. The first time I saw it, I didn't even realize it was Kubrick, but was blown away. The story structure and camera work in this film are truly amazing.

[@romanclay1913]

From Kirk Douglas' autobiography "The Ragman's Son":
 I met the director, Stanley Kubrick. He said he had a script called PATHS OF GLORY. I read the script and fell in love with it. "Stanley, I don't think this picture will ever make a nickel, but we HAVE to make it." 
I got financing. It wasn't easy. When I arrived in Munich, I was greeted with a completely rewritten script. 
"Stanley, did you write this?" 
"Yes." 
"Stanley, why would you do that?" 

He very calmly said, "To make it commercial. I want to make money."
 I hit the ceiling. "You come to me with a script. I love THAT script. I got the money, based on THAT script. Not this shit!" I threw the script across the room. "We're going back to the original script, or we're not making the picture."

[@jeffjefferson7384]

I love many Kubrick films, but this is the only one that makes me cry.

[@MrAngryBunny05]

Kubrick is always brilliant

[@Damon-xr6zf]

Great movie guys. I'm not sure if it was common in France, but in Germany at the time it was popular among the upper class and officers to have dueling scars to their cheeks. It was classed as some sort of status symbol. As seen on the french general..

[@perrymalcolm3802]

The short defendant who bar tended in the shining was also Tyrell in Blade Runner

[@degrelleholt6314]

Joe Turkel.

[@Cheryworld]

this is a great movie. a truely great movie. Definitly from the past era. That is could be presented in 2023 is wonderful. All respect to you guys.

[@JH-lo9ut]

The officer doesen't carry a rifle because his job is not to engage the enemy but to lead his men. If he started to snipe at enemies he would loose his overview of the situation. He turns himself from a commander to just another rifleman. At least that's the reasoning. He has his pistol for self-defence if it comes to that, and I think it is also implied that it is carried as a means to "persuade" soldiers if they refuse to advance. In the enemy trenches, a pistol could actually be more useful than a rifle, because of the close quarters. A rifle is cumbersome and takes time to swing around in the labyrinth of a trench system (the French service rifle was almost two meters long with the bayonet attached). Soldiers would often prefer pistols, knives, clubs or even brass knuckles when raiding the enemy trenches. A rifle could easily be grabbed and wrestled away from you. The trenches were usually laid out in a zig-zag pattern to make it impossible for an invader to shoot down the length of the trench.

[@vincentsaia6545]

The actor who played the snivelling, cowardly lieutenant was actually a decorated fighter pilot in WW II.

[@frankburmaster6689]

This my favorite Kubrick movie. Superb acting. Douglas at his best. Really a great anti-war movie.

[@bobschenkel7921]

"Paths Of Glory" is a very tough watch. To see how the French officers treated their men, and allowed lies to be told to save their own asses was horrific. You can see why the French wouldn't allow it to be shown in their country, as it did not reflect well on their officer corps. The "reasoning" of the generals was "nicht so gute". Excuse my German, but it is slightly better than my French. Stanley Kubrick never pulled punched, he always showed you the truth, like in "Full Metal Jacket" with the Sniper towards the end, and in "A Clockwork Orange" with the rape scenes, and the other scenes of violence. He .put it right in your face, and let you decide what real violence and injustice was. It's nice that he got a life long wife out of this movie.

[@melvyncollins7305]

Just caught up with this. I cannot think of any Great War films that glorify unlike WW2 with the likes of Kelly's Heroes and Where Eagles Dare. A really thought provoking film is King And Country starring Dirk Bogarde, well worth a watch.

[@ericj166]

I rarely subscribe to any reaction channel but the quality of films chosen and your reactions to them would seem to demand it. This particular film reminds me of a another great movie definitely worth showcasing - " Breaker Morant. " Get to work fellas.

[@majormoviemadness9927]

Welcome aboard

[@AzimovTube]

Shocked to find out Major has already seen A Clockwork Orange. Was hoping it would be part of Kubrick-fest, and have Major recognise their outfits from the Simpsons or something. As for war films when you get back to them, you should do Where Eagles Dare. Was put in my head as they guy who played Cartwright Jones was on that shuttle to the moon in 2001. Also Andromeda Strain I think is an underrated Sci-Fi movie when you get to some more of those.

[@mrmeerkat1096]

I watched the Andromeda strain late one night and I didn't have high expectations, but I was surprised it's a really good movie. Its not the most mainstream film as its like a scientific thriller.

[@drlee2]

Paths of Glory is my #2 Kubrick film only behind 2001:A Space Odyssey. These 2 Kubrick movies are just on another level, imo.

[@VladimirPutin-p3t]

Two films (and I'd add The Shining) that set a new bar for their respective genres and remain four decades unparalleled. The more I watch Kubrick the more impressed I am with every aspect of his work.

[@orangewarm1]

Patriotism is the Last Refuge of the Scoundrel

[@vincentsaia6545]

Bert Freed, who played the sergeant of the guard, was the first actor to portray Columbo in the 1960 live teleplay, PRESCRIPTION: MURDER.

[@hbuhgdcufcufc3493]

Just finished watching this movie, but absolutely loved this film and Kubrick as well. I was first introduced to Kubrick through 2001, and I loved that movie because it was all practical effects in the most imaginative way. There was so much detail and it was way way way ahead of its time scientifically too. (The film was released before going to the moon, and they had to somewhat imagine what the Earth looked like from space before even going there.) it’s probably my favorite of his, but clockwork is a very close second so far imho. Also, I will say, Nolan has confessed before that Kubrick is a massive inspiration of his, and it’s not posted anywhere, but I can’t help but draw connections between this film and the recent Oppenheimer film. Even the last scene reminds me of the stand scene from Oppenheimer (not to mention Nolan’s daughter is in the front row, somewhat like how Kubrick’s wife is the singer)

[@MrPboys1]

My favourite Kubrick movie which is really saying something

[@Oxmustube]

Funny to see Richard Andersen (the prosecutor) who went on to fame with The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman.

[@hotman966]

This is going to be amazing

[@DelightLovesMovies]

Clockwork Orange was X rated when it first came out and Stanley Kubrick, who lived in the UK, pulled it from theaters in the UK when his family started receiving death threats because of Clockwork Orange. Paths of Glory is an outstanding film that holds up very well. I think its Kirk Douglas' best acting job. I love the way the general's offices were decorated so beautiful and ornate when compared to the soldiers quarters. Stanley Kubrick's films need to be seen more than once for you to pick up on all the subtext and details he puts in all of his films.

[@williampenn3766]

What most people didn't realize about this movie (which I have watched at least 10 times),was that it was based somewhat on a true story in which the French army had mutiny refusing to continue being Slaughter in suicidal attacks,among other grieves such as better food, more rest time from the trenches and leave time to go home. The ring leaders of mutineers were single out and actually executed by firing squad.Hell the Russian and the Germans were just as brutal with its soldiers during ww2.

[@22grena]

Find out what Kirk Douglas did to the teenage Natalie Wood and you won't watch another Kirk Douglas film.

[@spencerarnold669]

Would love to see a reaction for Spartacus. It holds up so well as a film. It was always shown on TV at christmas or easter holidays so grew up with it. But honestly if its every on and I catch a scene 9/10 I'll end up watching all of it. Then watch Zulu haha

[@jnagarya519]

I saw this as a kid in a drive-in as a new release.

[@brachiator1]

I love 2001: A Space Odyssey. But I love that film because I previously loved Paths of Glory. It is a masterpiece, and probably Kubrick's most empathetic, humane film. It is interesting that one of the reactors didn't know Kirk Douglas, who was a huge star. It is interesting to see a continuity with respect to cinematography between this film and the much later Full Metal Jacket.

[@betsyduane3461]

A Clockwork Orange was never banned in England. Kubrick himself pulled it from the UK because people were blaming his film for violence, it was banned in several other countries though. It was difficult to see A Clockwork Orange in the UK for 27 years. It was only after Kubrick died in 1999 that the film was re-released theatrically, on VHS, and on DVD.

[@ianphillips9455]

One of the best films ever made, nothing more to add.

[@ZacPomilio]

The acting here is incredible. I feel so bad for Ralph Meeker (Paris). I like that Joe Turkel ( Blade Runner) and Timothy Carey ( the Killing) are mentioned. FYI George Macready ( Gen Mireau) 's scar is real he got it in a terrible car accident ( not a duel). It got him more character parts. Also did Major go to the same high school as Carrie wtf!

[@robertpearson8798]

I hope you’ll do The Killing next. Another film that’s less well known but brilliant in it’s own way. It even inspired the opening scene of The Dark Knight.

[@majormoviemadness9927]

You might be happy next tues, just sayin’

[@harryrabbit2870]

Great reaction. Liked your assessment of some of the technical aspects of the film, highlighting Kubrick's skill as a director. This has become one of my favorite Kubrick films but I was surprised to see it being reviewed. It's not in color, nobody is wearing tights and it doesn't have a happy ending. It's a film for adults, not something you see much on You Tube.

[@TTM9691]

First: I'm impressed that you watched a movie - any movie - after 2001! That's an interesting double feature! I suppose if any movie could follow 2001, it's Paths Of Glory! Second: I didn't think Major was "sh**ting" all over "2001", he seemed dazzled by it, and he gave it an above average score, it just wasn't his favorite of all time due to the narrative. Which is not uncommon! And some people like it better on repeat viewings. But the whole reaction was him saying "wow". The last act of the movie took it down a peg for him, hardly the first time that's happened with a 2001 viewer. But I definitely did not get the impression he was crapping all over the movie. Lastly: although I have always appreciated those shots in the trenches, I appreciate them even more now. Thanks!

[@MrMoggyman]

This film was made because of Kirk Douglas. He badgered Kubrick until he agreed to make this film. Kirk Douglas thought that the making of this film was that important. The attack on The Anthill with the men in the trenches and Dax going down the line with shell explosions going off all around is in my own opinion one of the most realistic film portrayals I have ever seen, as was going over the top. They made a few mistakes though. First, to prevent groups of men being slaughtered especially by shell fire, the men would go over the top in waves. Second, nobody would ever stay in the trenches after the whistle is blown. Why? A sergeant would walk the trench line with a revolver after all the men have gone over the top. Anyone remaining would be shot. No court marshal or anything else. Immediate execution. Conscientious objectors were given the opportunity to become medical orderlies. If they refused that they would be tied to posts set in front of the trench for German target practice. When in no mans land the Germans would send up a star shell to illuminate the area. If they saw anything the next thing that would go up is a green flare. A green flare from the Germans would signify commencement of bombardment. Then the shells would arrive. These facts were confirmed by WW1 veterans in my youth who had seen this film. The British attempted to take control of the Australian army in WW1 so that they could meet out punishments such as these. The Australian Army General Staff refused that request, and did not ever shoot Australian soldiers for cowardice in WW1. They took the attitude that enough of their men were being killed by the Germans without them doing it as well.

[@colhamilton9682]

Tremendous. Love to see you do 'Spartacus' next.

[@oriole21bird]

Spartacus is great. I'd like to see them react to it as well.

[@wwk68tig]

Always enjoy your posts..........the trench scenes had me to go IMDB: "Stanley Kubrick's numerous fluid tracking shots required that the trenches be two feet wider than the original World War I trenches--six feet as opposed to four feet--to allow room for the roving camera dollies. Although the technical director objected to the widening, the duckboards the camera rolled on were authentic."

[@betsyduane3461]

Kubrick used duckboards for the cameras to roll on for the trench walk through shots.

[@walterlewis1526]

Those are tracking shots. You can see the wood laid down at the bottom of the trench. So no rails, but the wood was sufficient.

[@VladimirPutin-p3t]

Kubrick said they were hand held, and the wood at the bottom of the trench is authentic, as it helped keep the soldiers feet out of the mud.

[@ennesshay5040]

the 6 minute 51 second video ''Balls to War: when a world war stopped to play football'' by nowarglory

[@bobschenkel7921]

Just a little Wikipedia info on Kirk Douglas.Of course Kirk Douglas is not Kirk Douglas' real name. He was born near NYC as Issur Danielovitch, try saying that three times fast, on Dec. 9, 1916, and he passed on Feb. 5, 2020, at the ripe old age of 103. Pretty good. He also served in the US Navy during World War Two. He also went by the names of Isador Demsky and Izzy Demsky. I think Kirk Douglas made a better stage name, especially back in the 1930's and 40's. He named his production company Bryna Productions, after his mothers first name.

[@z853c7]

I have a feeling Kubrick regretted the final scene, the sentimentality of it. He never did anything like it again.

[@tonybennett4159]

In an article in Cinephilia and Beyond, Sven Mikulec writes that Jim Thompson, co-scriptwriter, added a happy ending encouraged by Kubrick, to try to make it more appealing to the general public. Douglas was furious, being more concerned with artistic integrity than receipts. Kubrick gave up and closely followed the novel's ending. Not having read the book, I have no idea if the captured woman's song was in the book, or what a "happy ending" to such a film could possibly be. As it stands I don't think it's fair to call the scene sentimental as it has been richly earned and presents a sort of catharsis that in no way diminishes the impact of the film. Looking at the detailed description of the making of 2001, making decisions on the fly was not uncommon for Kubrick yet his films managed to cohere.

[@robertpearson8798]

Everybody can have a different opinion…..even if it is wrong😉

[@22grena]

Find out what Kirk Douglas did to the teenage Natalie Wood and you won't watch another Kirk Douglas film.

[@weepingfrenchman5620]

I would like to nominate John Boorman for next director to explore...for no particular reason other than an irrational love of Zardoz.

[@jnagarya519]

The "glory" of dying in war was killed during WW II by the Gatling (machine) gun.

[@jnagarya519]

It's true: the cream of the generation -- many university educated -- viewed dying in war as "glory". See what the ruling class did to British poet Seigfried Sassoon when he came out against the war.

[@steveclapper5424]

He didn't know Kirk Douglas?

[@MajorProgress]

No I didn't. Never scene or knew him in my life. But I love the legacy in actor lineage.

[@steveclapper5424]

@@MajorProgress time moves on , but his legacy is so huge...

[@Shadowman4710]

@@MajorProgress He left a lot of great work.

[@dezhar]

How about Guillermo del Toro for an interesting director?

[@vincentsaia6545]

2001 isn't one of my favorite movies, either.

[@geoffmason7215]

insanity

[@ryokinor6223]

First he shits on cats, then on 2001. Be careful where you skate the ice your on is mighty thin. 2001 may be the greatest movie ever made...and there's a cat in it! That's how great it is.

[@tonybennett4159]

What REALLY bugs me is that this magnificent film is consistently rated lower than the gigantic misstep of The Shining, where Kubrick encouraged Nicholson and Duvall to give ridiculously OTT performances which left the scenery well and truly chewed but gave this viewer no scares at all. I don't get it.

[@AlexG1020]

The Shining is supposed to be a reference to 1930s radio horror plays, that is why the acting is hammed up. The real underrated Kubrick gem is Full Metal Jacket tho.

[@drcornelius8275]

8 out of 10?? Say what?? This is in the top 100 movies of all time..... Sorry dude, I can't take you seriously as any kind of film critic.