Last King of Scotland - 9.25.2006.1
The buzz on Mr. Forest Whitaker is growing, and it’s about time. I’ve mentioned before that I’ve been looking forward to his latest film The Last King of Scotland for some time (my post Forest Whitaker, Dundee and blue Muppets). It seems that many share my feeling, as there is talk of a potential Oscar nod. I feel that this is probably more than just talk if the portrayal is half of what is being said.
Now I say this because I think Mr. Whitaker is a phenomenal actor who never gets enough credit. The work he did in Ghost Dog: The Way Of The Samurai, is an example to me of the true ability he possesses. If you haven’t seen that film I think you should. His performance is powerful in its simple manner; he just makes the character seem real and full. Even in the smaller roles, such as in The Crying Game, Mr. Whitaker provides a sense of humanity many other actors would miss.
The role on The Shield is another example of the intensity and humanity he provides. You can feel the pain and compulsion of the character. His anger is visceral, and his determination borders on manic. It’s hard to do anything but watch his character weave his web while tripping upon those of Mr. Michael Chiklis’ Vic Mackey. It’s that extra bit that Mr. Whitaker provides that I find compelling.
Given these observations on his abilities I truly wonder how his performance of Idi Amin will be. Critics already are mentioning that this is no mere cardboard copy of a historical figure. Considering the depth of research done for this role I would expect no less.
For those wondering who Idi Amin was, he was a dictator of Uganda in the 1970’s. He was known for his brutality, rumors of cannibalism, and efforts to improve schools and hospitals in that nation. This was not a one-dimensional figure, which is how news and history in the U.S. have painted him.
This is what I think, what do you think?
Now I say this because I think Mr. Whitaker is a phenomenal actor who never gets enough credit. The work he did in Ghost Dog: The Way Of The Samurai, is an example to me of the true ability he possesses. If you haven’t seen that film I think you should. His performance is powerful in its simple manner; he just makes the character seem real and full. Even in the smaller roles, such as in The Crying Game, Mr. Whitaker provides a sense of humanity many other actors would miss.
The role on The Shield is another example of the intensity and humanity he provides. You can feel the pain and compulsion of the character. His anger is visceral, and his determination borders on manic. It’s hard to do anything but watch his character weave his web while tripping upon those of Mr. Michael Chiklis’ Vic Mackey. It’s that extra bit that Mr. Whitaker provides that I find compelling.
Given these observations on his abilities I truly wonder how his performance of Idi Amin will be. Critics already are mentioning that this is no mere cardboard copy of a historical figure. Considering the depth of research done for this role I would expect no less.
For those wondering who Idi Amin was, he was a dictator of Uganda in the 1970’s. He was known for his brutality, rumors of cannibalism, and efforts to improve schools and hospitals in that nation. This was not a one-dimensional figure, which is how news and history in the U.S. have painted him.
This is what I think, what do you think?
posted by M. Vass | 5:15 PM
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