Film Genre Analysis

When asked to analyze two films in the same genre, I knew I needed to do Paths of Glory and 1917. Both movies are pillars in the war movie genre, and have similarities despite being 62 years apart. The cinematography in both are top tier and the stories are compelling and I hope I piqued your interest in these two films. 

       While Paths of Glory (1957) and 1917 (2019) are separated by developments as well as decades in film, they share similarities that contribute to their effectiveness as war films. The war film genre is distinguished by its intense representation of armed conflicts, highlighting the sacrifice and brutality of war. The war movie genre aims to capture the emotional and physical toll of war while also exploring the complexities of human nature in the face of adversity.

Stanley Kubrick's 1957 war film Paths of Glory is set during the middle of World War I. The story revolves around Colonel Dax defending three soldiers wrongfully accused of cowardice. The film examines the injustice in the military hierarchy, depicting the harsh realities of warfare and the sacrifices made by ordinary people caught in the crossfire of political and strategic decisions. Through artful cinematography and directing, 1917 is told in real time, following two British soldiers on a mission to deliver a critical message that could save hundreds of lives during World War I. The film's one-shot story telling adds a sense of immediacy, immersing the audience in the trenches and battlefields as it captures the physical and emotional challenges faced by the characters in their race against time.

Through the use of extended tracking shots, both films demonstrate a commitment to immersive storytelling and compelling character development. Long shots in war films, as exemplified by Stanley Kubrick in Paths of Glory and echoed by Sam Mendes in 1917, are a powerful cinematic technique that captures the intensity and harrowing nature of trench warfare in a unique way. In Paths of Glory, Stanley Kubrick used extended takes to immerse the audience in the visceral and claustrophobic experience of trench warfare. Kubrick creates a sense of continuity by using long, unbroken shots that mirror the unrelenting and continuous nature of battle. These extended takes not only show the physical toll of war but also the psychological strain on the characters as they traverse the brutal and unforgiving trench landscapes. Sam Mendes revisited and evolved this technique in 1917, when the entire film was designed to appear as a single, unbroken shot. Despite the film's meticulous choreography and hidden cuts, the effect is one of a continuous and seamless journey through the chaos of World War I. Mendes uses long scenes punctuated by subtle camera movements to stitch together a narrative that unfolds in real time, heightening the story's immediacy and urgency.

Furthermore, the use of lighting in both films contributes to a heightened sense of authenticity, drawing audiences into the harrowing landscapes of the Western Front and compelling them to confront the human cost of war. Given that Paths of Glory was filmed in black and white, the lighting techniques employed are crucial for creating mood and emphasizing contrasts. The film uses chiaroscuro lighting, which is characterized by stark contrasts between light and shadow. This technique gives the film a visually striking quality that reinforces the emotional intensity of the story. In 1917, lighting design was more than just a technical element; it was a dynamic character who contributed significantly to the storytelling. An example of this is when the protagonist, Will Schofield, runs through the ruins of a small French village. Lighting plays an important role in this sequence, almost becoming a character in its own right. As the protagonist travels through the desolate and war-torn village, conventional sources of light are scarce, shrouding the surroundings in darkness. The use of flares, however, elevates this scene to the level of a visual masterpiece. These flares not only illuminate the protagonist's path but also serve as a dramatic tool for the audience to glimpse the eerie beauty of the village. The choice to rely on flares as the primary source of light adds a layer of tension and urgency to the narrative. The sporadic bursts of illumination create a stark contrast between light and shadow, heightening the suspense as the protagonist maneuvers through the perilous landscape.

The scale and scope on which these two films focus is a significant cinematic difference. Director Stanley Kubrick takes a deeply intimate approach in Paths of Glory, zooming in on the moral and personal struggles of a select group of people within the military. Since the plot revolves around the trial of three soldiers accused of cowardice, Kubrick explores the complexities of the human condition in the face of war. The story unfolds within the confined spaces of the French trenches, emphasizing the characters' close proximity and personal relationships. Kubrick delves into the psychological toll of war by focusing on a small group, examining the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals and the moral compromises demanded by the military hierarchy. In contrast, 1917 employs a broader scope in order to capture the vastness and scale of World War I. The continuous shot technique is used by director Sam Mendes not only for its technical prowess but also to seamlessly explore various environments and battlefields. The protagonists of the film traverse open landscapes, villages, and trenches. This approach emphasizes the enormity of the conflict and the difficulties that soldiers face as they navigate the vast theaters of war.