The Last King of Scotland
By: Mark Runyon | Category: Film Reviews | 01/24/07 | 04:30 PM
 |  |  Grade: B+ | Genre: Political Drama
Summary: The Last King of Scotland constructs a fascinating story of a country in flux and the power of unchecked idealism. President Amin is the role of a lifetime for Whitaker, and he takes advantage of the ripe opportunities it presents.
Africa seems to be finding the spotlight more and more among Hollywood's savvy directors and screenwriters. Perhaps this is due to a lack of news coverage on pressing issues or the cyclical poverty that seems to huddle the region in darkness. Whatever the cause recent years have shown us riveting portraits of this continent in crisis from the genocidal struggle of Hotel Rwanda and the intrigue of the Constant Gardener to the mangled youth of Tsoti. With each passing day, we know the killing impulses strengthen in Darfur and the AIDS epidemic slowly toils away at its task of blotting out an entire generation. The Last King of Scotland aids us in answering some of the questions plaguing Africa today through the looking glass of Uganda in the early-70s. It is a film hinged on stirring performances and a gripping intensity that doesn't let you free. |
The story begins in 1970 Scotland as Nicholas Garrigan (James McAvoy) graduates from medical school only to be faced with the same monotonous existence shared by his oppressive father. In a bout of whimsy and adventure, Nicholas whirls the globe to discover that life's next path will take him to Uganda. His newly christened talents are to be used to aid a mission, tending to the ailments of a local village. He is met by the doctor's wife, Sarah (Gillian Anderson), who introduces this wide-eyed wander to the poverty and circumstance that is an everyday reality in rural Africa. Anderson shows particular promise in one of her first viable roles since skulking about with Mulder in the cult-hit X-Files. Nicholas drags Sarah to a local rally, promoting the countries' savior Amin (Forest Whitaker), who recently deposed the sitting president via a military coup. Amin is ushered in on a wave of tremendous promise as the people's president, raised from the chains of poverty to fulfill his destiny of surrendering the country back to his countrymen. Unfortunately, his past isn't as squeaky clean as his motives may seem, coming to power on the back of British army training and installed with the help of prominent British constructionists who have their own set of plans for the country.
 | | | The Last King of Scotland | | Starring: Forest Whitaker, James McAvoy, Kerry Washington, Gillian Anderson & Simon McBurney | | Director: Kevin MacDonald |
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Nicholas is summoned to fix Amin's sprained hand and makes an indelible impression. Amin uses his unending power, charisma and opulent lifestyle to seduce the naive idealist in Nicholas to join his cause. Nicholas becoming his minister of health not to mention one of his most trusted advisors. Nicholas instantly feels as if he is a part of something special that is happening in Uganda. He feels that his actions can fuel the welfare of millions. Nicholas meets a host of influential Brits who question the motives of Amin, and try to persuade the good doctor to do his civic duty to his country by being their eyes and ears within the administration. Nicholas won't be swayed by their desire to keep the African in his lowly place. He can only see the best of Amin's intentions and fervently backs his newly crowned father. Amin treats Nicholas with the utmost respect and honors his ides like a seasoned advisor. Doubts only begin to surface within Nicholas when flickers of Amin's bipolar personality and the dangerous instability of the country flame up before Nicholas' disbelieving eyes.
Forest Whitaker is mesmerizing as he dons the personality of Amin. Whitaker has always been a solid actor that has led credence to any film he is apart of, but this role puts him on another level. This is the role of a lifetime for Whitaker, and he takes full advantage of the ripe opportunities it presents. He does his best Talented Mr. Ripley, plying the ultra-smooth talking exterior to win over the hearts of and minds of his starving countrymen. All the while a boiling madness is waging war within him, moments away from spilling out. The Golden Globes have already crowned him with best actor honors look for Oscar to put him high on their short list as well.
The Last King of Scotland constructs a fascinating story of a country in flux and the power of unchecked idealism. When a new leader rises to power oft we wipe the slate clean of the mistakes of his predecessor. We staple the newcomer with our best qualities in the hopes that they might materialize as everything we wish we could all be. Unfortunately, it's usually not long before the truth comes forward to bring reality back into focus. The Last King of Scotland helps us to understand the issues of Africa today by looking at the struggles it faces within its political structure.
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