In Speak No Evil, James McAvoy brings to life one of the most disturbing characters of his career. He is Paddy, a violent man who reveals his true nature when he is visited by some friends during a stay that turns into a nightmare. A very physical, sometimes animalistic actor, the Scottish star is impressive here.
James McAvoy is used to intense roles, as evidenced in M. Night Shyamalan’s Split, in which he plays a man with 24 personalities. His career, consisting of both arthouse films and blockbusters, is distinguished by genre diversity.
The actor’s film news is an opportunity to delve into his filmography to discover which films are rated the best by viewers on AlloCiné. With no less than 38,588 ratings, it’s Bryan Singer’s X-Men: Days of Future Past that gets an average score of 4.1 out of 5.
However, another film scores the same average, Kevin MacDonald’s The Last King of Scotland with 16,686 ratings. In this biopic centered on Ugandan dictator Idi Amin Dada – which earned Forest Whitaker a Best Actor Oscar in 2007 – James McAvoy plays Dr. Nicholas Garrigan, a character completely invented for the needs of the film, inspired by life. Bob Astles, British soldier.
If he portrays the role of Professor Xavier in X-Men: Days of Future Past, James McAvoy’s role in The Last King of Scotland is much more substantial and earned him a BAFTA nomination.
Some audience reactions to The Last King of Scotland:
According to Bearnais64 (4.5 out of 5): “A very beautiful film showing the madness and brutality of an African dictator who gradually sinks into paranoia. Forest Whitaker absolutely did not steal the Oscars in 2007 despite very good performances from DiCaprio (Blood Diamond) and Will Smith (The Pursuit of Happyness). His atypical duet with James McAvoy is brilliant. In addition, the screenplay adapted from Giles Foden’s work of the same name makes for a complete and exciting film..”
According to CH1218 (4.5 out of 5): “The first and foremost praise for this adaptation goes to the charismatic Forest Whitaker, whose astonishing interpretation of the African dictator makes it the pinnacle of his filmography. James McAvoy for his dignified performance and Kevin Macdonald for his honest and solid direction are also the recipients of other praise. A remarkable success.“
According to Stephenballad (4.5 out of 5): “Oscar 2007 for Best Actor Forest Whitaker is truly amazing in this role and shows the full extent of his immense talent. James McAvoy is no exception, as he perfectly played a young, confident carefree person who believes that nothing can happen to him.“
According to Florian Malnoy (4 of 5): “Recently reviewed and this is a truly high-profile biopic highlighting this exceptional performance by Forest Whitaker, who undoubtedly gave the role of his career: charismatic, full of presence, intimidating, impressive, complex, in short, fascinating character. James MCcavoy is also full of talent in dealing with this president.”
According to MC4815162342 (4 of 5): “The Last King of Scotland is an absolutely amazing Forest Whitaker, a brilliant James McAvoy and a wonderful Gillian Anderson, Kerry Washington, it’s a well found production, great soundtrack, great sets and a powerful story, Idi Amin was seriously ill!“
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
