In 1971, the small African nation of Uganda was taken over by self-styled dictator General Idi Amin Dada, beginning an eight-year reign of terror that would result in the deaths of hundreds of thousands. In this chilling yet darkly comic documentary, director Barbet Schroeder turns his cameras on the infamous tyrant, revealing the dynamic, charming, and appallingly dangerous man whose fanatical neuroses held an entire nation in their grip. Made with the full support and participation of the infamous dictator, General Idi Amin Dada provides a candid and disturbing portrait of one of the 20th century’s most notorious figures. —The Criterion Collection
Barbet Schroeder’s Swiss geologist father was on assignment in Iran when he was born. After a globe-trotting childhood, Schroeder was educated at the Sorbonne; then, like half the under-30 population of France (or so it seemed), he became a movie critic. Brief jobs as a jazz concert producer and news photographer followed before Schroeder went to work as an assistant for one of his role models, French director Jean-Luc Godard. In 1964, the 22-year-old Schroeder set up his own film production company, Les Films du Losange. Among the many prominent pictures produced by Schroeder include director Eric Rohmer’s “Moral Tales” La Collectioneuse (1966), My Night at Maud’s (1969), and Claire’s Knee (1970). Schroeder himself turned director with 1969’s More, gaining critical attention with several unorthodox documentaries. With the American film Barfly (1987), Schroeder established himself as a prime purveyor of “slice of life” drama — albeit entertaining enough to please the crowd. Oscar nominated… read more
what a frightening portrait, Amin's such a charismatic man that it's hard to read through the cracks. It's very terrifying to me that I came to some what like this man then I remeber "He killed 100,000's of people!" An eyeopening documentary that looks gorgeous and helps me remember why I fear politics.
Idi Amin is a perfect example case in demonstrating the dangers of unbridled charisma. This documentary, directed by a youthful Barbet Schroeder, is very adept at showing Amin’s friendly, and immensely… read review
Watched this to get ready for the Forest Whitaker/James Mcavoy blockbuster. It’s quite twisted experience. Idi Amin let Barbet Schroeder and his crew film his life. This head of state spends tons… read review
