‘War’ pushes past the violence
Nicolas Cage (“Face/Off”) headlines an all-star cast in this unflinchingly violent film full of glistening bullets, cigarette smoke and snazzy sunglasses. He plays Yuri Orlov, a shady arms dealer who travels the world making millions of dollars and millions of enemies all at the same time. Cage also serves as the monotonous voice of the narrator, describing the complex, masculine, competitive world of selling weapons for mass destruction. Throughout the story, this narrative voice is monotone and empty of any emotion much like the film itself. But these elements are actually successful in contributing to this film’s powerful message.
Thanks to the perpetually sardonic tone of dialogue and the near complete absence of human values, “Lord of War” remains consistent as a satirical presentation of a world captivated (or dominated) by greed and violence. A world that is so much similar (if not exactly alike) to our own. Having so much dry, subtle humor, you would think that it makes the film annoying but it only further contributes to a message that speaks volumes. Unfortunately, the violence, language and sexual content are all so abundant and raw that the film speaks awfully disturbing volumes.
The film begins in the 1970s when Yuri sells his first gun. From there, we travel through time and across the globe, as he gradually becomes more powerful within the underground world of political tyrants and blood-hungry generals who become his most lucrative clients. Cage conveys the wonderful characterization of a regular guy who’s just trying to make a living, not a sadistic monster. But the primary development of his character is the increasing addiction to his job and the mountains of money he generates.
While Yuri becomes enveloped in his addictions to wealth and power, he also experiences the joys of family life as he marries his dream girl (an average Bridget Moynahan, “I, Robot”) and bonds with his drug-addicted brother (an effortless Jared Leto, “Alexander”). Yuri is finally brought to a turning point in his life as his ethically wayward profession is juxtaposed with his role as a loving family man. He catches up with the audience when he realizes he cannot fulfill both and must make a decision between the two.
Director Andrew Niccol (“Gattaca”) creates a surprisingly commanding work here. Indeed, it is almost as commanding as having a machine gun in your face. Blatant and acerbic on the surface, yet poignant and thought-provoking underneath, this movie resonates strongly with the conflicting themes of world brutality and human integrity. Residing comfortably in a realist vein, it displays some uniqueness by being packed with testosterone and dark humor. This film is effective but it leaves you with the feeling that you’re in need of a thorough shower. “Lord of War” rises above the action genre to create an unforgiving look of today’s world of hostility. But the unending violence, lack of engaging characters and somewhat meandering storyline restrain it from being a masterpiece.
Casey T. Allen is a movie critic for the Utah Statesman. Comments and questions can be sent to
caseyal@cc.usu.edu.