Idi Amin: The Last King of Scotland
A couple years ago I bought a book about a Scottish doctor who is made the personal physician of Idi Amin called The Last King of Scotland, by Giles Foden. Unfortunately, I haven’t actually read it yet.
It turns out that Fox is releasing this story as a movie, and from the trailer it looks pretty good. Take a look at the preview on Apples Quicktime site and see what you think. It was a barbaric time, but one that should be remembered.
Here’s the summary:
In an incredible twist of fate, a Scottish doctor (James McAvoy) on a Ugandan medical mission becomes irreversibly entangled with one of the worlds most barbaric figures: Idi Amin (Forest Whitaker). Impressed by Dr. Garrigans brazen attitude in a moment of crisis, the newly self-appointed Ugandan President Amin hand picks him as his physician.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Forest suits the role to a T!
I’ve always thought Forest was a very good, very under appreciated actor!
My parents were placed under house arrest when he executed the coup de tat. Our house was unfortunately next door to Milton Obote’s residence so I think this explained why the house arrest occured. A tank blocked the driveway. I’d flown back to UK 2 weeks prior to Idi taking over.
I know this is going to create some new controversy, especially in Uganda… and not necessarily because people hated Idi Amin, but because people will question having a USAmerican playing an African leader. At least, Whitaker is black, so that should help… plus he is reaaally good.
Leave a Comment