Reviews of General Idi Amin Dada
Displaying all 2 reviews
aquixoticlife
5May09
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 likable, public persona, while still exposing some of his fear-inducing private tendencies. The mock battle scene and the swimming pool scene are two particular highlights which exhibit the power of a well-made documentary to expose hidden truths in the world. “General Idi Amin Dada: Autoportrait” is a good, not great film, which I would recommend to anyone who is interested in either history and/or politics.
- Currently 3.0/5 Stars.
John M.
14Dec08
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 of time trying to make himself look like a powerful visionary. Almost tragically, Amin comes across looking impotent and petty.
If you detach yourself from the human impacts of Idi Amin’s regime, the film is actually quite funny. To embellish “his” documentary he stages a mock invasion of Israel. Also, for the camera, he insults his minions, and stages authentic African dances. But it’s really difficult to detach yourself and enjoy Amin’s antics because the first scene is uniquely horrific.
The features included in the disc add a lot to the film, filling in blanks and explaining the context
- Currently 5.0/5 Stars.