Whoa, what a snoozer. The only time I wasn't bored is when Lew Ayres went into a bad acting jag. Some of them were very funny. Like the scene in the hospital. "I'm back, I didn't die, I'm back!!!" Or the scene where he goes through the pockets of the dead man in the trench and finds a photo that looks like some freak vaudeville act.
There is no "off" position on the genius switch.
I completely disagree with you on all points.
"Whenever Mrs. Kissell breaks wind, we beat the dog."
There is no "off" position on the genius switch.apparently you're lacking an "on" position as well. share
Well it´s undeniably heavy handed and preachy as actors keep overexplaining every point the film is making as if the audience were presumed to be kindergarteners. And the constant theatrical overacting and mugging for the camera is often quite distracting as well. But this, of course, is just one side of the things that is being countered by the excellent visuals - there are plenty of very powerful, memorable shots and the realism of the battle sequences is rather surprising for a 1930 film. Also, the humanism shines through strongly at all times and despite the sometimes overwrought delivery, the films ideology is, of course, more than relevant.
As for Paths Of Glory, I wouldn´t say it´s significantly less single minded than AQOTWF - just the performances are a lot more subtle than here. All in all, a fine film - 8/10. Not as great as the book though.
"facts are stupid things" - Ronald Reagan
The only time I wasn't bored is when Lew Ayres went into a bad acting jag. Some of them were very funny.
until then, stick to commenting on youtube videos.
actors keep overexplaining every point the film is making as if the audience were presumed to be kindergarteners.
i wouldnt call it obsolete, however i did liked Paths of Glory more than this one.
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"Common sense is not so common."
- Voltaire
having watched this one on tuesday and paths today, i have to say that you are a complete idiot. aside from the fact that they deal with the same war, the subject matter is completely different. one is the general horror of war with the clash of holdover romantic ideals and reality, while the other is about ineffectual leadership and the very real role it played in the great war. both are two sides of the same coin, for sure, but to say one makes the other obsolete is - to be frank - amazingly stupid. i doubt you actually read anything into either at all and probably just have a 90 minute attention span or figure that kubrick's work is something you can throw around and get away with it. all quiet is an amazing film - made even more amazing by the fact it was released 80 years ago - and from the ratings it seems that you're the only one who can manage to disagree. i guess you're just that great of a film critic that you can find fault where no one else does?
and obsolescence? really? do you even know what that even means?
i suppose the beatles made chopin obsolete? the golden gate made the pyramids obsolete? pollock made da vinci obsolete? did jk rowling make mark twain obsolete?
i'm sorry to be the one to have to inform you, but art doesn't become obsolete. now take a break from movies to get your head and your ass wired together. until then, stick to commenting on youtube videos.
I liked the JK Rowling: Mark Twain comnparison. So true. God I hate the Harry Potter stuff--it is so unoriginal. Kids need to read the damn Odessey if they want original.
And remember my friend, future events such as these will affect you in the future.
That is how actors spoke and acted back then. If you could look past your own nose you would be able to understand that the message of the film is powerful in any decade.
shareFor many who first saw it in 1930, this may have been their first "talkie" film, so the "over-acting" would not be unusual to those who had only seen stage performances before.
The real horror of war disappeared from film because of production codes shortly after this film was made and did not reappear until the 1970s.
It remains an all-time classic.
paths of glory is one of my all time favourite films and one of the 5 i've given a 10 rating because it manages to be so moving so involving as well as showing the horrors of the battlefield and the fear of the men. the unjust trial gives the audience real reason to become involved.
this film though is a different matter and i think it is very well constructed
"gentlemen make your lives extraordinary"
It does not. Paths of Glory is wonderful, but it doesn't come close to being as all encompassing on the subject as this movie does. Some cheesy acting and writing can't eclipse the brilliance of what is going on, or the sheery artistry on display.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx2zLgdkJpk
This is one of those early talkies in which a silent movie direction clashes introdution of vocal dialogue whish is a bit too much.
And if you read the trivia section, you will learn that this film was made both for sound theaters and silent theaters.
So, just get used to it and you like the film.