Film Review №1

Frida (2002)

Cast: Salma Hayek as Frida Kahlo, Alfred Molina as Diego Rivera, Geoffrey Rush as Leon Trotsky, Mía Maestro as Cristina Kahlo, Antonio Banderas as David Alfaro Siqueiros, Edward Norton as Nelson Rockefeller, Patricia Reyes Spíndola as Matilde Kahlo, Roger Rees as Guillermo Kahlo.

Director: Julie Taymor

Synopsis: the film represents a biography of artist Frida Kahlo, who channeled the pain of a crippling injury and her tempestuous marriage into her work (the plot is based on the book “Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo” by Hayden Herrera).

Review:

Frida Kahlo was a woman who endured a life of crippling pain caused by a trolley accident in her youth, but her innate energy, passion and love of life, as well as her enormous abilities as a painter, allowed her to overcome that obstacle to achieve her fame and recognition. The only thing she was not able to overcome successfully, was her tense relationship with Diego Rivera (her husband), which occupied her lifetime almost as much as her painting.

One of the merits of the film is the history it provides, chronicling the period of the 1920's and 1930's, for example, the political struggle between Trotsky and Stalin, an affair between Frida and Trotsky during the period of his exile in Mexico (right before his assassination), the mistake of Nelson Rockefeller commissioning Rivera a huge fresco for his public hall, etc.

As for the actor’s performances, Salma Hayek, for instance, proved herself to be a great actress. She managed to capture a physical torment that Frida was forced to endure during her lifetime (it was also the central subject of her art), while being confidant, beautiful and passionate. So Hayek captured the spirit of Frida and performed it with heart and style. She is just a pleasure to watch, for she doesn't play Frida, she is Frida. All in all, Salma carries this movie. Nevertheless, other actors also gave incredible performances.

As for me I liked this movie. It is the kind of story that goes straight to your heart and brain. It learns us not to give up in any situations, for example, Frida experienced so many tragic things in life that it should be enough to commit suicide, but she never gives up, grows stronger and the one thing that certainly helps her through hard times is her wit, dignity and love for life and art. She takes what she wants and needs but also gives a lot. Moreover, her honest, truthful and beautiful works reveal one of the greatest talents of our time. What is really impressing, is the artistic references in the film, for example, the surreal animated sequences, especially the hospital nightmare with skeletons (besides, we should not forget about the costumes which are very colourful, beautiful and unusual). What is more important, “Frida” made me want to learn more about Frida Kahlo’s life and creativity. I think this film can be singled out as a work of art.