Forest Whitaker's Performance In "The Last King of Scotland"

IQ89 · #1 10-11-2006, 12:37 AM

[I'm aware that a lot of movie reviewers, like Richard Roeper, are thrilled with Whitaker's performance, but I really believe these poor guys have to sit through so many sh!t movies, that when something that is better than average comes along, they tend to go a little overboard with enthusiasm.]

IMO Whitaker's performance was very good, but not over-the-top great.

Whitaker's strength in this role was portraying Idi Amin's good natured/personable side, the side that is said to have seduced a nation. But towards the end of the film when we get to see Amin's dark side, that's where Whitaker's performance falls short IMO. For instance in the last scene, where Idi confronts the main character Nicholas. This is where Whitaker finally has the opportunity to send shivers up and down the spine of the movie goer. But it turns out to be a most forgettable scene for him, and there's really no excuse. The movie goer may remember the scene do to its graphic content, but certainly not because of any outstanding acting performance.

On a scale from 1 to 10, I'd give this movie a 7, and Whitaker's performance an 8; good enough for an Academy Award nomination, but I'll truly be surprised if he wins [and probably in total disagreement].

Blarg · #2 10-11-2006, 01:21 AM

Interesting short review of his performance, but I feel bereft. Where's the review of the rest of the film?

Or is his acting basically the only thing in it?

IQ89 · #3 10-11-2006, 02:57 AM

I'm too lazy to do an in-depth review [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]. Sorry. Besides, it's not the movie that seems to be getting rave reviews, just Whitaker's performance.

#4 10-11-2006, 01:56 PM

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Besides, it's not the movie that seems to be getting rave reviews, just Whitaker's performance.

[/ QUOTE ]

This movie is playing in so few theaters, I'll probably have to wait for the DVD.

KAknight · #5 10-11-2006, 02:06 PM

A little off topic, but Forrest Whitaker was on The Shield last season and I was shocked by how good his performance was. I'll have to check out this movie.

TheWorstPlayer · #6 10-11-2006, 03:48 PM

Forest Whitaker is a sick good actor. Check out Ghost Dog if you haven't seen it. He's even good in Panic Room which is really saying something considering how bad that movie is.

pauliewalnuts · #7 10-12-2006, 03:15 AM

This movie looks great. I can only hope that it comes to a theater near me.

Phresh · #8 10-12-2006, 05:06 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Forest Whitaker is a sick good actor. Check out Ghost Dog if you haven't seen it. He's even good in Panic Room which is really saying something considering how bad that movie is.

[/ QUOTE ]

Co-sign. His bit part in Bloodsport and The Color Of Money are both awesome as well. I own The Crying Game, but haven't watched it yet. I will soon.