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.