Review of The Last King of Scotland (2006) by Christina S — 20 Aug 2009

The Last King Of Scotland is certainly an entertaining piece of work which reflects the historically recorded callous and vicious nature of the infamous Ugandan dictactor that was Idi Amin. The Last King Of Scotland serves as an example of brilliant character development and the relationship between the the ambitious and feisty Scottish protagonist, Nicholas (played by James Mcavoy) and the fearsome antagonist, Idi Amin (played by Forrest Whitaker). There is certainly a great feeling of chemistry between these two when both on screen and the film seems to thrive upon it. The relationship is almost poetic at times. Sadly the film becomes less interesting almost certainly whenever Amin isn't presence and Nicholas' character is left to fill the audience on the social and cultural events overshadowing the country at the time.

With no shadow of a doubt Forrest Whitaker's performance was certainly worthy of his Academy Award as he begins to keep this film from falling apart in many places. You are given the ability to grasp the power and control that the character wields through his iron like fist to the point of evilness. Striking cruelty and heartlessness without ever highlighting any remorse for his actions as well as appearing as a flamboyant yet uneducated supposed leader of the people. Indeed I would go as far to say that if Amin wasn't so obviously the protagonist i'd issue the title of the protagonist for being heroic enough to keep the film afloat after too many uninteresting Nicholas scenes. A good example are the copious sexual encounters which the supposed protagonist seems oh so excited to partake in which seem very lifeless and one dimensional as if only to be present in order to move the plot on a little and to show some other characters rather than the main two. For me this was quite unforgivable as was the general irritably feisty and naive nature of the protagonist Nicholas at times.

With reference to historical accuracy this film of course is a somewhat fictional account. Rather like the much revered Titanic the general broader picture is true enough but the premise of the characters, with the exception of Amin, is certainly fictitious or highly contentious. From the perspective of sole entertainment I shall let this fact pass because in no way does this film, like the novel before, attempt to highlight a perfectly true representation.

Other characters including the English upper class ambassador to Uganda and the hospital Doctor are impressive and help to drive the plot along smoothly although at some times you do have to question the believability of both in regards to the actions they take.

The character development is by the far the most interesting aspect of The Last King Of Scotland. The plot can at times become a little stale but the presence of Amin is always a welcomed one and Mcavoy's Nicholas is certainly believable as a fresh and naive young doctor. For me the general lack of other believable characters became a problem but for the sole factor of entertainment purposes and the beautifully crafted relationship between the main two characters completely the film redeemed itself completely.