Forest Whitaker is simply brilliant as Ugandan President Idi Amin in "The Last King of Scotland". Whitaker captures both the charisma and the psychosis of the former Ugandan leader perfectly. The film uses the storytelling device of a fictional character, in the person of Dr. Nicholas Garrigan (James McAvoy). Garrigan has recently completed his education and is starting his career as a doctor. He shuns joining his father's practice and moves to Uganda, where he can make a difference. Around this time, Uganda undergoes a coup where General Idi Amin places himself in the presidency. At first glance, he is a "man of the people" who will use his power to improve the conditions for all of Uganda. Dr. Garrigan is instantly captivated with him and finds himself offered the position of Amin's personal physician. As the film develops, we see Amin become more and more paranoid and there are whispers of mass executions by his regime. Garrigan still believes in him and believes these stories are lies designed to undermine Amin. He slowly becomes aware that they are all too true, but it is too late as he learns he is no longer a free man. This is a very interesting study of a populist leader slipping deeper into madness, proving that "absolute power corrupts absolutely". Whitaker definitely deserved his Oscar for this performance. Grade: B+
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