Seen: May 7th, 2007
Format: DVD
Rating: 8
This seems to be the week for stellar singular performances. First Helen Mirren and now Forrest Whitaker. While The Last King of Scotland would be a compelling film in any right, Whitaker's performance is what sends this one over the top.
Like The Queen, The Last King of Scotland takes advantage of us (well, me anyway) by dropping us into a scenario for which we have little frame of reference. This difference this time is that we have a protagonist in the same situation. We experience what Uganda has to offer through his experience. And what an experience it turns out to be.
But this is not his only purpose. This character is completely fictional. Not even composited from real historical figures, he is the invention of the screen writer. His purpose is to provide an objective look at the man who was Idi Amin. With barely time to gain his bearings in a new world, he is thrust into the mounting insanity of the one which Amin constructed around himself. And then tries to hang on as it slowly shakes itself to pieces.
Ultimately this is all a very effective conceit used to explore Idi Amin in all his guises; leader, reformer, general, husband, father, politician, hedonist, they're all here. Whitaker's performance spans all this facets of the character seamlessly. He exudes Amin's casual charm, his narcissism and egotism and above all his child-like naivete with equal ease and conviction. The way he glides from one aspect of Amin's personality to the next without effort is what makes his portrayal so very frightening.
We see here an Amin who is at best unstable. The power he wields transforms his whims into action, often with terrible consequences. His ultimate paranoia and descent to the edge of sanity are horrific to watch, especially as he seems to drag the very country and people he seems to have wished to serve along with him.
Whitaker's performance overshadows other wonderful aspects of the film. The writing that lets this character be exposed is excellent. While it has its own holes and deficiencies, they seem to be the result of the focus on Amin and his transformation.
James McAvoy's performance stands out as well. While not of the range of Whitaker's, he does an excellent job. Kerry Washington delivers in and subtly understated fashion. Her character underscores many of Amin's assets and failures.
The environment is spectacular. Filming in Uganda was critical to the nature of the film. It make it all feel genuine.
I remember Idi Amin. I was a child, but he was constantly in the news, on the world stage. He was larger than life, even from half way around the world. The Last King of Scotland gives us a last and fascinating glimpse at the man who defeated the British Empire.
The Good: Performance, performance, performance
The Bad: Absolute power
The Ugly: Pruning of limbs
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