The Last King of Scotland
Film Muser Rating : 5 / 5
Release Date : September 27, 2006
Running Time : 121 minutes
The Last King of Scotland is loosely based on Ugandan president Idi Amin and his relationship with Nicholas Garrigan, his fictitious personal physician from Scotland. Garrigan’s character is actually inspired by a British man Bob Astles, who was a close adviser to Amin. The film begins with Garrigan graduating from medical school and promptly leaving for Uganda to get away from his father, who he was supposed to share a medical practice with. He starts off working as a relief doctor in rural Uganda right before Amin’s military coup succeeds in 1971. Shortly after Amin takes power, Garrigan impresses the president when he mends his injured hand following a car accident. With a little bit of razzle-dazzle, Amin is able to woo the young Garrigan to become his personal physician.
Forest Whitaker does a phenomenal job portraying Amin, capturing everything from his charming demeanor to his paranoid and erratic behaviour. James McAvoy takes the part of Garrigan and does a solid job playing the gung-ho, yet naive doctor.
From start to finish, I was completely glued to my screen as I watched this film. I loved watching Garrigan, so young and unaware of the political climate in Africa, have such faith in Amin’s plans to rebuild a free and prosperous Uganda. Even as he takes on the role of the president’s closest adviser, Garrigan lets Amin’s charisma blind him to what is actually going on in the country. Even after a British diplomat warns him of “possible issues”, Garrigan continues to defend Amin. It’s not until the health minister goes missing (presumably dead) after a comment Garrigan made does he fully understand what is happening. By then it is too late for him to get out.
For a viewer who didn’t know who Amin was prior to watching this film, they could take the same journey that Nicholas Garrigan takes. The story hides the crimes Amin was committing, similar to how they were hidden from Garrigan. It’s not until later in the film, when Garrigan starts to learn of them that the viewer too would start to see what was happening. It kind of makes me wish I had no knowledge of Idi Amin before I watched this. Either way, this movie is a must see.
Memorable Scene
Shortly after Amin takes power he visits the rural area near the hospital Garrigan is working. Citizens go out in droves to see the president give his speech regarding his plans for Uganda and her people. I particularly liked this scene for the emotion Amin’s speech evoked in the crowd. Everyone was dancing and singing with joy as Amin made his promises and vowed to give Uganda back to the people. The vibrant colours, sounds, and emotions made for some great shots, and I couldn’t help but get a similar feeling of delight.
I too enjoyed this movie and definitely agree that Forest Whitaker’s acting is phenomenal but I think your 5/5 rating is too generous.
My major complaint would be the lack of depth that the movie has. I would have prefered Whitaker’s strong portrayal of Idi Amin to support a movie that covers the attrocities that Ugandan’s faced and for that matter the Asians in Uganda as well in more depth - background leading to the Amin coup, international response, etc. I realize that this is covered on a high level by following the fictional Scottish doctor’s African adventure story but for me I don’t need a western European as a protaganist to support the history.
I guess the arguement can be made that packaging the story in this manner makes it more entertaining. Good movie, great acting. 3.5/5
This film is based on the book of the same name by journalist Giles Foden. I’m not sure I quite understand your comment, since this would mean changing the movie completely.
For a film that focuses on Amin and his reign of terror, I would suggest seeing 1980’s Rise and Fall of Idi Amin.
I am aware the movie is based on a book. My comment is that I would prefer to see the resource devoted to a movie like this ($, acting talent, promotion, etc.) go to a movie that portrays history.
I liked the movie and would recommend but am trying to give a reason I could not give it a perfect rating. Not that I have read the book but the comment would go for it too (for example - if I was going to devote time to reading on Uganda I definitely wouldn’t choose this book).
Have you actually even seen Rise and Fall of Idi Amin?? FYI - I have heard the documentary Uganda Rising is excellent as well.
Yeah, after reading your comment again after my reply, I got what you were trying to say - take Whitaker’s performance and put it in a movie like ‘Rise and Fall of Idi Amin’.
I haven’t seen it, but I’ve heard that it is quite good.