Following David’s great blog presentation I decided to watch Paths of Glory, one of the few Kubrick films I hadn’t seen. Already a big Kubrick fan I was actually strongly considering A Clockwork Orange for my presentation but in the end I couldn’t resist Scorsese. I would have shown the amazing sex scene that just made my jaw drop the first time I saw it. Check it.


So I already had high hopes for Paths of Glory and it certainly didn’t disappoint. It was fantastic seeing Kubrick make a classically styled Hollywood drama, showing how versatile he is, and how strong his direction was, even in his earlier days. The long tracking shot through the trenches with the soldiers lined up along the sides (he had to widen the standard army trench by 2 feet in order to fit the dolly in) or the first time we see the ant hill and he pulls back to reveal the pillbox we are viewing it through are touches of brilliance from Kubrick that he would later become well known for.

Adding to the greatness of this film are fine acting performances, especially Kirk Douglas who plays such a restrained and passionate Colonel Dax. He seems to be one of those actors who can say anything with their face. Like Brando you can be totally enthralled by them with little of no dialogue, they just have that intensity.
So I thought I would go through some of my favourite Kubrick films, in the usual list style.

5. Paths of Glory
This was probably my favourite scene from the film, pay close attention to the direction and editing, which are both nailed in this example. First Class.

4. 2001: A Space Odyssey
Such a groundbreaking film with it’s use of music, models, and era crossing jump cuts. Iconic for its transcendent visuals and special effects, audacious for it’s very slow pace and lack of conventional narrative, and just plain awesome for it’s 3 mins of black screen at the start. To quote Justin Timberlake from The Social Network, it changed film making ‘for better and for always’

3. Full Metal Jacket

I’ll never forget the first time I saw it, I was in awe of such gutsy direction starting a film with a 20 minute long, one location scene. Kubrick brilliantly captures the mental side of war with some disturbing characters.

2. A Clockwork Orange

I don’t think I breathed for the first half an hour the first time I saw it. Completely changed the rules for me on how film can be made. Perhaps hasn’t held up as well over time as some of his other work but for pure movie watching experience, it’s one of the most visceral I have ever had.

1. Dr Strangelove: or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb

Just to prove that he can do it all, Kubrick makes one of the best satirical comedies of all time. Brilliantly funny and absurd without dipping into slapstick, also subversive but never takes itself too seriously. Stunning lead performances from Peter Sellers and George C. Scott. Just an absolute classic.