baratillo @ cubao

Finally! The Last King of Scotland began its run at the local theatres last Wednesday. Although, it is a limited run: The film is shown only in two cinemas, Greenbelt and Glorietta, in Metro Manila. The same thing happened with the film adaptation of Alan Benett’s The History Boys. A wise move - people who want to experience these critically acclaimed films would be more than willing to pay for the ticket. As long as it is reasonable priced, not over one hundred fifty pesos. Then again if it reaches way over two hundred pesos per person at least should come with bundled services and items - Like Cinema 10 at Gateway or the premiere theatre at the Shang. The film shows the story of Idi Amin through the eyes of a young Scottish Doctor. The Last King of Scotland takes many liberties with the story of Idi Amin, fortunately the acting and cinematography is powerful enough to make the experience worthwhile.

The film is based on a novel of the same title. It was written by journalist Giles Fodden. And it is a mix historical facts and fiction. A good thing remember when watching any film that is adapted from real life. It may be (or at least hopefully) a good and entertaining story, but it is not necessarily complete nor true. In terms of beast called fictional/true-to-life stories or true told with artistic license or embellishments this is particularly true.

It is not hard to see why Forest Whitaker has been reaping critical acclaim for his performance. He effectively portrays the amiable and blood thirsty man. Add to this the eye to detail of the cinematographer the film feels like it was shot during sixties and the seventies. Anyone who has the following title is a hard act to mimic:

His Excellency President for Life, Field Marshal Al Hadji Doctor Idi Amin, VC, DSO, MC, Lord of All the Beasts of the Earth and Fishes of the Sea, and Conqueror of the British Empire in Africa in General and Uganda in Particular

And this is where Whitaker succeeds. Taking a somewhat eccentric and bloody dictator and essentially portraying him as a three dimensional character. Not as a caricature. He is convincing as Amin and you get to understand why the young and naive Scottish doctor Dr. Nicholas Garrigan (played by James McAvoy) develops a loyalty for Amin and becomes entangled in the world of Ugandan politics under Amin. McAvoy, probably known to more people as the faun Mr Tumnus in the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe or Leto Atreides in the Children of Dune, gives justice to the character of Amin’s doctor and adviser. The Doctor is our surrogate eye into the world of Idi Amin Dada.

The only letdown of the film is that the story is not strong enough to carry the character of Amin and its actor. A product of constant revision from the original novel. A lot of things that Amin did were just glossed over or not even mentioned. One does not even see the famous or infamous picture of Amin seating on a sedan chair being carried by white businessmen.
what makes it worth watching is the convincing performance of Whitaker.

Still the character and the acting carries the film onward. And it is worth watching on the big screen.