Review of The Last King of Scotland (2006) by Jess K — 30 Apr 2011

The experience of watching Last King of Scotland likely varies by how much the viewer knows of Idi Amin. Perhaps those unfamiliar will have a sensation much like that of Dr. Garrigan, while those who know slightly more spend half the film with a feeling of ominousness, thus amplifying or dulling the shock when the brutality comes.

Whittaker turns in a spectacular performance, at once charming and horrible, however his menace is blunted by a feeling that the protagonist is never in real danger. McAvoy as well is strong, even conveying the feeling of invulnerability that most Western travelers have when in third world countries.

Although predictable, the film is never forced in its transition from idealist naivety to survivalist malevolence. The entire end, from the hospital tragedy on, is intense, grotesque and engrossing. Perhaps without the feeling of inevitability the film would better reflect the real-time experience of witnessing savior become a monster.