Fans of Directors Stanley Kubrick and Terrence Malick are in for a real treat this Fall with the release of Paths of Glory and The Thin Red Line on Blu-ray Disc from the Criterion Collection. Both films are considered to be classic anti-war statements from two very different directors stylistically. Paths of Glory, in particular has been crying out for a remastering as the B&W print has looked quite dated on almost every DVD release so far. The Blu-ray release of both films should be a significant step-up in terms of both picture and sound quality.
There are those who would argue that Kubrick made his mark with 2001: A Space Odyssey and Dr. Strangelove, but there is a strong case to be made that Paths of Glory was his strongest film due in part to the superb script, wonderful cinematography, and powerful acting performances from Kirk Douglas, Adolphe Menjou, George Macready, and Ralph Meeker. Kubrick loves to remind mankind of its inhumanity and brutality and he cuts to the core with this tale based in the French trenches in World War One. While there is very little action for a war film, the imagery is nonetheless powerful. Most of the film takes place behind the lines as self-serving French generals arrogantly blame battle weary infantry for their own military failures. Douglas serves as the film's moral compass and his performance is one of the strongest you will ever witness, by any actor.
The Thin Red Line, on the other hand, irked some people when it came out. Not only was its anti-war message perceived as being too "anti-American," but it was seen by some as a slap in the face against those who valiantly fought against the Japanese in the Pacific. The attack on Pearl Harbor made the war in the Pacific the other front in the "good war" and it is easy to understand why some would take offense to a star-studded anti-war drama from Hollywood.
In Red Line, James Caviezel (The Passion of the Christ) stars as a young private unsure of his place in the crazy blood-soaked world that surrounds him, and is forced to make some tough decisions that don't go over too well with some of his commanding officers. The combat sequences are fast and furious and Malick does a very credible job of making it all seem larger than life. The film is loaded up with Hollywood heavyweights including Nick Nolte, Sean Penn, and Elias Koteas and while the entire cast does a good job, it is easy to let some performances slip through the cracks. On a visual level, the film is a real showcase of Malick's directorial abilities; the combat and jungle scenes really pop off the screen.
Both films ask some tough questions about war and the inhumanity of it all. Paths of Glory succeeds more so than The Thin Red Line because it doesn't try to do it all and is not remotely preachy. There is clearly something unfair and inhumane going on in Kubrick's masterpiece and it gets under your skin. Both are certainly welcome additions to your film library.
Paths of Glory Features:
The Thin Red Line Features:
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