Title Sequence Analysis: Lord Of War

Visit this URL to watch the title sequence of 'Lord Of War':


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHn1zogeyO4

'Lord Of War' is an action thriller. I am analysing this tile sequence in particular, because it mirrors my chosen genre 'Action'. Action films are where main characters are put into sequences of challenges that require physical feats and extended fights, stereotypically aimed at a male audience. 

The cast is made up of American, Russian and African actors. However, the main actor is 'Nicolas Cage' who is American. It is a Hollywood production so the crew is mainly American.  This suggests the film's target is a western audience. 

The main character is Yuri Orlov played by Nicolas Cage, an American gun-runner (illegal arms trafficker) of Russian origin. 

The title sequence starts with the main character describing his intentions. Then cuts to a Russian factory that makes and ships ammunition to foreign places (e.g. Africa, Liberia). The historical period is early 1990's.

Within the title sequence it follows the journey of the single bullet and you see it from the bullet's point of view. The viewer sees the bullets life unfold from a piece of metal, to a killing projectile.  Through the barrel the bullet travels and finds it's human target.  

The tone and mood during the portrayal of a simple act of a manufacturing process, is active and involves the audience from the offset. The music is quite upbeat; this helps provoke fascination and interest. However, as the bullet travels out of the factory and is placed into the hands of a soldier, who in return loads it into a AK47, it fires reaching its final designation, a young soldiers forehead on the opposing side. This lowers the mood and tone creating a disturbing and somber conclusion. 

Buffalo Springfield's song, 'For what it's worth' is the theme song for this opening title sequence. It is very engaging, and is food for thought.  The lyrics explore Buffalo Springfield’s outlook on war.

Nicolas Cage lets us know that ‘there is a gun for one out of every 12 people on the planet’, he jokes, ‘How do we arm other 11?’ This question intrigues and sets up the plot for the audience. It is an unexpected question and causes us to glimpse into the dark humor of the main character. 

After watching the title sequence the expectations of the narrative is warfare and death fueled by illegal arms deals. The dark thrills of war, however, contrasts with lighter comic moments, as at the start, this will mostly likely carry on throughout the movie.