Well-handled role makes film

When most people think of Scotland, they think of bagpipes, haggis and angry, hairy men running around in skirts. Africa is the last thing that comes to mind. But the film, “The Last King of Scotland,” is set amidst the brutal rule of Ugandan dictator General Idi Amin.

The film’s deception does not end with the title — it is the cornerstone of the entire movie. Directed by Kevin MacDonald, the movie is based on the turmoil of Uganda as it throws off European colonialism and focuses on the real-life figure, Amin, played by Forest Whitaker.

The plot follows a young Scottish doctor, Nicholas Garrigan, played by James McAvoy, who gives up a comfortable residency for humanitarian work in Africa. His apparently idealistic intentions are quickly seduced by the power his white skin gives him. Garrigan fails to win any sympathy as he turns the “white man’s burden” into his version of “Spring Break: Uganda.” He is bratty and self-indulgent, and he thinks he knows it all; thus, the audience finds him very annoying.

The other doctors, especially Gillian Anderson, try to explain the complexities of Africa to him, but in his naïve optimism, everything appears at surface value for Garrigan. After a surreal encounter with Amin, who ends up liking his brashness, the dictator adopts Garrigan as his personal physician.

The film is an original mixture of “The Devil’s Advocate” and “Hotel Rwanda.” It never truly centers on the tragedy of Amin’s regime and misses opportunities to really slam colonialism. Instead, it brings out these issues through the odd friendship between the Scotsman and the Scot-loving general.

Amin’s love for Scotland is just one facet of his character. He is also incredibly charismatic, witty and charming; yet, he has an unpredictable, homicidal, paranoid-madman side.

Whitaker handles the role beautifully, seamlessly transitioning between a lovable, funny guy into a terrifying, hulking maniac. He puts everything into Amin and pulls out one of the best historical portrayals to date — winning him a Golden Globe even before the film’s wide release last week.

Though Amin is highly insensitive, Whitaker is so charming that Amin’s outbursts are quickly forgiven by his attempts at humor, outrageous habits and hobbies and seemingly genuine talk about improving Africa. And Whitaker holds the audience’s sympathies until the very end, when the foreshadowed depths of his depravity are shown in a gruesome revelation.

The moment builds up as Garrigan begins a romance with Amin’s third wife, Kay, played by the beautiful Kerry Washington. Tragedy is inevitable, but the moment it happens the audience’s sympathy immediately favors Garrigan against Amin.

It is hard to decide what to take away from this movie. It is a story about friendship and naïvety, and it is a story about how complicity during turmoil can leave more blood on your hands than on those of the actual killers. Perhaps it was even a play on colonialism and foreign policy. But in the end, it doesn’t matter — it’s worth it alone to see Whitaker’s portrayal of Amin.

Grade: A