Depiction of a dictator and a doctor

Rating: 8/10 (24 November 2007)

James McAvoy plays Dr. Nicholas Garrigan, a young Scottish physician who is seduced by the likable Idi Amin, freshly President of Uganda, in becoming his personal doctor, confident, political player and friend.
Eventually Garrigan starts to have doubts about Amin's regime and mental health, as he flirts with both good and bad aspects of power. He also flirts with one of his wives (played by Regina Washington)and delves into a game of deceit with the dictator.
Forest Whitaker's portrayal of the troubled, charismatic leader is riveting and worthy of all the attention and awards it got him, but James McAvoy's performance is a very good counterpoint to the story in general, and in the many scenes they have together in particular. These are probably the best scenes of the movies and are intricately woven from fine dialogue and dead-on performances.
The ending was a little unoriginal and seemed a bit forced and not well explored. It could have had a better treatment and tied all the elements in a better, smoother way, I suspect. The last line of the movie is appropriately ironic and humorous, however.
The viewpoint of a foreign doctor thrusted into Ugundan politics and slowing learning of the implications is an interesting one and makes for a great story. The viewer thus explore with him the money, power, respect, loyalty, authority, politics, danger, fame, the glory and the gory...
The fragility of a country and of a man.