>>REVIEW
THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND
STARRING Forest Whitaker, James McAvoy, Gillian Anderson and Kerry Washington
DIRECTED BY Kevin Macdonald
Opens Friday, January 19
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Based on the Giles Folden novel of the same name, this film offers a glimpse into the troubled psyche of the man responsible for the deaths of 300,000 Ugandans in his eight years of power.
As one of the 20th century’s most mysterious political figures, Idi Amin ruled the tiny African nation with magnetic patriotism juxtaposed against horrific violence. From their initial encounter on a remote country road, Amin (Forest Whitaker) and Dr. Nicholas Garrigan (James McAvoy) connect over a bizarre incident involving a wounded cow and Amin invites the naïve young doctor to a life he never dreamed of.
Amin’s early years in power are shown as a joyous time when the people of Uganda supported his populist ideals and grandiose vision of a utopian Uganda, defiant towards the British and the world at large. Garrigan’s desire to make a difference in the lives of his patients is sincere, but his youthful passion to be a part of an enormous political change overwhelms his original altruistic notions. The bond that develops between the two men is plausible due to Garrigan’s deep distrust for the British and inherent Scottish scrappiness. McAvoy brings just the right amount of youthful bravado and recklessness to the role.
Despite her brief appearance, Gillian Anderson is brilliant in her role as the compassionate but skeptical wife of Garrigan’s partner, Dr. Merrit (Adam Kotz). Kay Amin, the third and least respected of Amin’s wives has a crucial role in the drama that unfolds between the two men, and Kerry Washington is alluring as the neglected wife of the dictator.
The soundtrack by Alex Heffes, featuring Momo Wandel Soumah and the Afrigo band among others, perfectly conveys the festive atmosphere of Amin’s early years in power. However, as Amin’s paranoia begins to eclipse his sense of reason and good judgment, the music too becomes more ominous.
Whitaker turns in a stupendous performance, the result of interviewing former members of Amin’s inner circle. His intimate knowledge helped him paint a convincing and compelling portrait of one of the most mystifying figures in history.
Director Kevin Macdonald builds the tension with precision, resulting in a fascinating look into a conflicted mind desperate to lead a troubled land out of darkness. The Last King of Scotland is an outstanding examination of the perils of power and the complexity and fragility of the human spirit. |
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