The Last King of Scotland

What’s it about?
Nicholas (James McAvoy) newly qualified Dr and proud Scotsman is out for a good time, anything rather than share his Dad’s practice seeing to old ladies with blue rinses. He’s off to Uganda for fun, excitement and a taste of something different. It’s 1970, just in time for Idi Amin’s coup of the Obote government. A stroke of luck sees him called to treat the new President whose arm is sprained after a car accident and soon he’s off to Kampala, living the high life, the President’s personal physician, trusted adviser, and fierce supporter. Until a chance word with the ‘boss’ gets blood on his hands and his eyes are opened to the true nature of Amin’s Uganda, rocked by violent retribution against anyone who the President feels has betrayed him.

Highs n lows
I left the theatre numb at the sheer cruelty and capacity for duplicity of this dictator – capable of sliding from enigmatic and sympathetic man to brutal murderer in the blink of any eye.

Deservedly chosen as this year’s BFI London Film Festival’s opening Gala screening, Forest Whitaker is amazing in his portrayal of the paranoid despot. Yet again demonstrating why he’s come to be respected by so many in the film industry. Shot in Britain and Uganda, Director Kevin MacDonald uses many locals in the production which credibly captures the mood of the country. Interestingly he doesn’t rely on violent scenes to get the point across, if anything most of the footage is of joyous crowd scenes and lavish parties. It’s the hints dropped through tense conversations at key points in a well-crafted and pacy script, combined with just a couple of graphic shots and photos that tell you what’s really going on. Here’s a tip if you need a bit of warning about who Amin’s next victim will be – watch for the over the top ‘ false happy faces’ amongst Amin’s inner circle – they’re so bad, and such a giveaway I’m wondering if they got together to practice. But apart from them, I’ll be amazed if you’re not riveted for the 2 hours of this film.

Is it any good?
5 out of 5 – a must see. The film is based on a novel by Giles Foden. With a film this powerful, I for one am adding it to my reading list.