Idi-ology

There are few more controversial political figures than former Ugandan dictator Idi Amin. At once beloved and despised by his people, Amin was paranoid, bloodthirsty and a laugh riot. Wild rumors swarmed around him that only increased his appeal. Who wouldn't love a ruler who ate the heart of a...

By John Freeman

April 3, 2008

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There are few more controversial political figures than former Ugandan dictator Idi Amin. At once beloved and despised by his people, Amin was paranoid, bloodthirsty and a laugh riot. Wild rumors swarmed around him that only increased his appeal. Who wouldn't love a ruler who ate the heart of a military rival? While never proven, the taint of cannibalism still clings to Amin like a milk mustache. Barbet Schroeder, the genius behind 1987's Barfly, lensed an extremely candid documentary, General Idi Amin Dada: A Self Portrait, in 1975. He was given unprecedented access to Amin's world. Idi obviously had a blast and even shouts directions at the camera crew a few times. While not the shocking exposÃ© one might expect about this deranged despot, this is still a mesmerizing glimpse into the mind of a truly original psychotic wacko. Don't miss it. Idi Amin Dada screens 6:45 p.m. Thursday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St. The screening will be preceded by a lecture at 6 p.m. Visit themodern.org/films for info.
Thu., April 3, 6:45 p.m., 2008

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