Wow,that performance!!!!

Rating: 8/10 (27 September 2006)

That performance makes Foxx's portrayal of Ray Charles look average compared to this harrowing portrayal of Idi Amin.It proves that an actor alone can carry a film on his shoulders.The film has numerous problems.Had it not been Whitaker's towering performance,this film would've ended like any other Biopic.
The film is about a Scottish doctor,who heads to Uganda to help the civilians,but stumbles upon the Mendacious Ugandan dictator Idi Amin.With him,he witnesses Amin's Barbaric,disturbing methods and tortures and he decides to do something about it.
The film is Whitaker's as you'll hear from many critics or reviewers.It is a performance that should land him his first Oscar,or at least a nomination.This ,along with Hellen Mirren's portrayal of another real life figure,surely gonna raise brows,and garner them their awards in the next year's Oscars.Without doubt,the first great performance of this year is already to be witnessed.This film is as strong as Capote.Where that film was lifted by the power of Hoffman,here it's lifted by Whitaker alone.His dark,seriously disturbing portrayal of Amin is just one thing that will stay with you as long as you go to cinema.You will always think of this performance,regardless if it's victorious at the Oscars or not.It will stay with you with the rest of your lives.It haunts you,and miraculously Whitaker brings it out.It's one heck of an eerie performance that Whitaker gives.His portrayal of a real life figure is amongst the best of all time.He is really Charming,Magnetic,Murdorous as the film suggests his character.
I did a little research on Idi Amin,because,honestly I didn't know who he was.And after I did.I had to hand to Whitaker who've just achieved the impossible.It seems that actors portraying real life figures tend to show more talent than playing a fictional character.
And as for the film.It's a good film overall.A really well directed and written film,and may have a chance at the Oscars.Actually,with Whitaker on mind,you really don't get your mind off from Whitaker's performance to judge the film.It's Whitaker that makes the film great.When he's on screen,it's like a horror show.To see his character do what Amin did.Then the film shifts focus on other character's,giving you a relief.Which is effective.It sometimes look like it's following the same path as Training Day.
Apart from Whitaker, Scottish actor,James McAvoy does an adequate job to meet his superior.So does Washington,who keeps impressing film after film.And Andersen is just fine.The film is shot at some breathtaking locales of Uganda,and it really shows the beauty of the land against the evil-doings of Amin.The film has a myriad of problems.With its twists and turns mainly.The sub-plots become irrelevant,and the use of violence and sex becomes excessive at times.Yes,the film is as gripping as a thriller.But since,it's told from a Scottish Doctor's point of view,it makes it rather unconvincing.This should've been a great film on its own,but it's made great only because of Whitaker.
Just go and watch this film.It's a good film and a greater film with Whitaker.I think we have our first official contender in the Male Category of Best performance of the year.