|
LORD OF WAR Send This Review to a Friend
Although there is too much that’s predictable, “Lord of War” is vividly involving due to its cynical take on the business of world-wide secret arms dealing. Nicolas Cage gives a forceful performance as Yuri Orlov, an amoral Russian immigrant to the United States who makes his money by wheeling and dealing in munitions that he sells wherever there are takers.
It is shown as a ruthless profession, and a dangerous one, given the competition. Orlov is only interested in sales and profits. He doesn’t care who is killing whom. His philosophy is that they’ll kill each other anyway. That’s not his business.
Cage and the screenplay manage to make the character somewhat sympathetic, despite the amorality. This is done by the film’s thrust of viewing him merely as a player in a world in which the big powers are the most flagrant arms dealers for political purposes, with people like Orlov necessary tools. There are moments of jolting violence and scenes in which Orlov is shown bargaining with a ruthless African dictator, who resists being lectured on democracy by displaying a headline reporting the U. S. Supreme Court’s deciding the first election of George W. Bush.
As for holes in the plot, it is hard to believe that Orlov’s wife would not know what he is doing and even harder to believe in her sudden wake-up. Also, Orlov has a brother whose life is a mess, and early on we can predict that somehow he’ll come to a tragic end.
Despite flaws, “Lord of War,” written and directed by Adnrew Niccol, is a tough, uncompromising film that has something vital to say about the world today, and Cage gives a riveting performance. Ethan Hawke also contributes a strong performance as Valentine, the investigator trying to nab and imprison Orlov. A Lions Gate Films release.
|