Whitaker of Scotland.

Rating: 8/10 (14 September 2015)

The Last King of Scotland (2006): Dir: Kevin MacDonald / Cast: James McAvoy, Forest Whitaker, Gillian Anderson, Kerry Washington, Simon McBurney: Observant yet disturbing film about a Scottish doctor who travels to Uganda and ends up as the physician of the Ugandan President until discovering his true nature. Set in 1970 and directed by Kevin MacDonald who presents a culture of slavery within the illusion of freedom. Certain elements are predictable such as the doctor having an affair with one of the President's three wives. Otherwise the film holds together thanks to a menacing performance by Forest Whitaker. He gives off charm in his introduction but his true nature eventually sets in where intimidation haunts in resemblance of his image. James McAvoy is fantastic as the young doctor who gets caught up in the forbidden and suffers consequences. He will have to survive so to reveal the havoc in the Uganda territory. Kerry Washington portrays one of the wives who ends up pregnant and eventually in fatal trouble. Gillian Anderson plays a married woman whom McAvoy gets involved with but the role is the most underwritten. This is a well crafted film that really captures the era as well as create tension for the protagonist. It regards how leadership can deceive and how standing up for what is right can ultimately humble you. Score: 8 ½ / 10