Budapest Classic Film Marathon: The Last King of Scotland

Director: Kevin Macdonald

Screenplay by Peter Morgan, Jeremy Brock
Director of photography: Anthony Dod Mantle
Music by Alex Heffes
Cast: Forest Whitaker, James McAvoy, Kerry Washington

In the footsteps of a filmmaking dynasty: from Pressburger to Macdonald / Films by Andrew and Kevin Macdonald

Introduction: Kevin Macdonald, film director

Idi Amin Dada, “the butcher of Uganda”, was born the son of a traditional herbalist mother. He started out as a cook in the colonial army before becoming leader of the liberated African state. His modus operandi was characterized by lavish external show, cast offs from the former rulers, combined with cruel tribal methods. He promised reforms but his reign in the 1970s marked the most brutal decade in Ugandan history. Through subtle psychological depictions and the dissection of complex moral issues, Kevin Macdonald’s fast-moving film portrays the dictator from the point of view of an ambitious and adventure-seeking Scottish missionary doctor. To what extent can being an outsider and ‘not knowing’ absolve one from complicity? Playing the part of the monstrous dictator, Forest Whitaker gives one of the greatest performances of his career.

More information about the Budapest Classic Film Marathon's program in Uránia >>