General Idi Amin Dada: A Self Portrait (1974)

"General Idi Amin Dada: A Self Portrait (1974)" is a chilling and revealing documentary that allows the infamous Ugandan dictator, Idi Amin, to present himself directly to the audience. The film's core is an extended interview where Amin, seemingly uninhibited, discusses his geopolitical ambitions, including his fervent desire to eradicate Israel, his economic policies, and his perspectives on prominent world leaders like Nixon and Kissinger. The documentary provides a disturbing glimpse into Amin's volatile personality through scenes of a cabinet meeting where he openly berates his ministers, highlighting the precariousness of power under his regime. Barbet Schroeder's film, while presented in a straightforward documentary style, skillfully uses the power of access to craft a portrait of a dictator both fascinating and terrifying. He offers no commentary, instead letting Amin's words and actions speak for themselves. This approach, combined with the film's unflinching look at Amin's behavior, including scenes like the war-game simulation and the village visit, allows viewers to draw their own conclusions. This is why "General Idi Amin Dada: A Self Portrait" is considered a quintessential Barbet Schroeder film; his willingness to explore morally complex figures and capture the unsettling realities of power is a hallmark of his work, making this documentary a valuable and unsettling piece of cinematic history.