Scottish Film maker Kevin Macdonald, whose previous film Touching the Voidbrought us the true story of two climbers and their perilous journey up the west face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes in 1985, now brings us The Last King of Scotland. Using the realistic style he is becoming known for, Macdonald sets to work to get us inside the palace walls during Idi Amin's infamously brutal reign over Uganda, through a story told from the perspective of a young Scottish Doctor, Nicholas Carrigan.
Picture a place of poverty and corruption, where medical care and living conditions hinder the people rather than help them. A place of confusion, instability and uncertainty, where western culture and African traditions meet and do not necessarily combine harmoniously. This is Uganda in the 1970s. The state of Uganda at this time was surrounded in myth and rumour. Amin, the president during this era was painted by newspapers around the world as insane, a murderer and most famously, a cannibal. The film plays on this rumour when Amin humorously announces to his guests that dinner is served and “none of it is human flesh”. The Last King of Scotland goes behind the headlines and the rumours and enters the world of Amin through his rise to power and the beginnings of his downfall.
With a Golden Globe win for Forest Whitaker for his excellent portrayal of Amin, and a string of other high profile award nominations, this film looks set to cement itself in political cinema history. Whitaker's presence on screen is menacing, yet he captures the duality of Amin perfectly, charming and childlike one minute and paranoid, gun toting powerhouse the next, his eyes both terrifying, yet kind simultaneously. We are made to like him originally, as we see him dancing with his people, throwing lavish parties and playing soccer in the garden with his children. But unlike Nicholas, we always feel a sense that all the empowering speeches and boyish charm are a façade, and this façade could crumble at any minute.
Nicholas Carrigan, played by Scottish actor James McAvoy, is a character who comes across as naïve and often selfish. He originally goes to Uganda to “lend a helping hand”, yet finds himself blinded by the promise of working for the most powerful man in Uganda. It is his love of this power that makes us dislike him, yet once he has realized how dangerous Amin really is and tries to influence the unstable president, we develop a fondness for him, hoping that he can do something, anything to help end the terrible sadness.
Filmed in a pseudo verite style, like an amalgamation of news footage and biographical notes, The Last King of Scotland presents us with two characters from two different worlds. Through contrasting ideas of culture, morality and reality, this film paints a picture of questions, loyalty, trust and truth. A powerful and moving film which shows us things we may not want to see, yet in all good conscience, should see so we are aware of the brutal crimes committed against the Ugandan people, and how lucky we are to live in a country where we are able to question those in positions of power.
Reviewed by Fleur de Papier
