Lord of War

This analysis the introductory scenes of ‘Lord of War’ a 2005 film directed by Andrew Niccol.

The film starts with a low angle shot which then tilts to a high angle shot of some sort of factory. This introduction helps establish to the viewer the setting giving them time to understand the surroundings. The sparks flying from the machines and the cold blue tones give the idea that this is a factory that produces serious goods. The colours and expressionless workers give the impression of a cold, unfriendly atmosphere. The camera then follows a P.O.V shot leading the viewer into the machinery and through the process of the manufacturing of the goods. As this happens it’s clear to see that it is bullets being made, this relates to the setting that was previously established and draws on the audience’s preconceptions that it is in fact serious goods being made. It is interesting to notice at this point the non diajetic sound of the music being played. Bullets can be linked with emotions of violence, anger and action, but so far the music suggests none of this giving off a more subdued mellow feel. The effect of this could be to portray the detachment felt by those making the bullets, the manufacturers know that these bullets will result in death and violence but choose not to think about it only focusing on their job. The music could also relate to the simplicity of the bullet and how easy it is in reality to make.

As the scenes progress the audience now sees the sequence of events from the perspective of the bullet. I think its good how this introduction documents the journey of one ‘insignificant’ bullet amongst thousands until the bullet becomes ‘significant’ resulting in the death of a child. This added with with the music shows how disturbingly easy it can be to take a life and I think the stark contrast of the music in relevance to the events happening adds to the feeling of unease felt by the viewer.

Overall I think the components have worked well together, the shocking ease at which the child is killed gives the viewer the impression that death and war will be a main factor in this film, so already establishing the genre of this film and foreshadowing later events. The camera angles provide a more unique introduction making it memorable if anything and the music leaves viewers with something to think about. Generally it works well to engage the audience from the beginning because they are in a sense experiencing it from the start.