War is depicted in somewhat different terms in different time periods, just as war was conducted differently at different times. The connection between the leadership and the frontline soldier also differs in different time periods. Some of the differences can be seen in depictions of the Battle of Agincourt in the film Henry V (1989, Kenneth Branagh), the Battle of Waterloo in the book The Face of Battle by John Keegan, and World War I in the film Paths of Glory (1957, Stanley Kubrick).
The Battle of Agincourt was the key battle in the effort of England's King Henry V to consolidate his rule and protect his throne against the French. Shakespeare depicts the king as a benevolent ruler, and King Henry's own words support the view Shakespeare has of him as an inspiring leader, a man able to get the job done by marshaling his forces and attracting loyal followers. Act III Scene 1 finds him urging his troops to greater effort, for instance, and shows him once more to be able as a leader. This scene, along with others, also shows that Henry understands the people around him and so is able to get the best from them. This is an important quality in a leader, and it is one of the most important qualities Shakespeare brings out in his assessment of Henry and his accomplishments. This important speech is central in the play both physically and thematically. It is offered by Henry as a spur to action for his troops. The night before the battle his mood is quite different on the surface as he speaks to various knights and muses on the meaning of the battle to come. Preparations for battle are presented on stage, showing both the French and English camps.
The 1989 film version presents a much darker vision of both the play and history. Branagh recreates the play in a real world setting, not on a stage. The army in this film is ragtag at best. The music is dark and ominous from the first. The clothing is dark and rough-hewn,...