The Last King of Scotland is one of those odd films that leave you pondering and scratching your head for days. It’s not a bad thing. It’s not a good thing. It’s an unsettling thing. I sat through this film and ran the gamut when it comes to emotion. One moment I’m laughing hysterically, then all of a sudden, I’m repulsed enough to consider walking out.

The year is 1970 and Nicholas Garrigan (James McAvoy), a recent med school graduate, is at a crossroads in his life. Does he stay in Scotland and join his family medical practice or does he do things for himself? Of course, he does his own thing and decides to travel abroad to start his career. He becomes a missionary in the politically unstable country of Uganda.

Nicholas is fascinated by the newly self appointed leader Idi Amin (Forest Whitaker). He is a wonderful speaker and the people love him. On a convoy back to the capital, Amin has an accident and requires medical attention. Nicholas impresses Amin so much that he offers him a position as his personal doctor. Amin’s lifestyle is so lavish that Nicholas is seduced almost instantly.

As time goes by, Nicholas starts to discover that Amin is not the man he appears to be. He is heartless and self absorbed. He has a political agenda that is unclear to everyone but himself. He uses force and violence to get his way and anyone who crosses him pays the ultimate price, including the people closest to him.

Nicholas is now concerned for his own safety. He is playing a dangerous game that he cannot stop. To complicate matters, he is having an affair with one of Amin’s wives (Kerry Washington) and now both of them are in grave danger.

Based on real life leader Idi Amin, The Last King of Scotland is a gritty, in your face fictional account of a dictator who gained power and abused it. Like I said earlier, several emotions were triggered by this film. In the beginning, the tone is light. Almost like a comedy with witty one-liners and fart jokes. Then all of a sudden, things shift into a violent political drama that shocks and repulses. The last half hour is especially unsettling. I walked out of the theater scratching my head. Did I like it? Did I hate it? I really don’t know.

The film dragged through sections. Some images were disturbing. All that being said, the story was compelling and the performances were powerful. James McAvoy (Nicholas) was amazing. He brought depth and complexity to this character. He was charming and you had to root for him. Kerry Washington was brilliant as Amin’s wife having the affair with Nicholas. She lights up the screen. Forest Whitaker was a revelation. His name should be remembered at Oscar time.

To answer my own question, yes I did like this film, but I can’t help having some reservations. It’s not the type of film I would consider sitting through a second time, but it does evoke discussion and makes you think.

By Thomas Ferguson