Review of Frida (2002) by Julian T — 31 Dec 2011

A vastly overrated film about a vastly overrated artist. Does some things well, including its visually appealing direction and the majority of the acting from an extremely deep class. Would have liked to see a greater use of this acting depth however, as Norton, Banderas, Rush, and Judd are all trivial glanced over roles.

Molina turns in the finest performance here, as he absolutely nails the pompus, self important, womanizing Diego Rivera. Hayek however, completely misses. A lot of the blame should be placed on how her character was written, as the person you see in this film is not in any way shape or form reflective of Frida Kahlo.

In the film, she comes across as a light up the room, happy-go-lucky, outgoing optimist. This is about as far from the truth as possible. Kahlo was a reclusive, victimized, socially awkward introvert.

This misrepresentation alone turns the film into a bastardization of reality. This is unfortunate, because a large degree of the films historical references are true, including the bus accident, Diego's failed comission in NY, assosiation with Leon Trotsky, etc.

But beyond the misinterpriation of Kahlo, the movie faulters because it fails to explore Frida as an artist. It explores to dizzying lengths Frida as a woman, but doesn't bother to show, explain or celebrate what it is that made her one of the most famous women of her generation.

There is no exploration into her art, it chooses instead to focus on an overexagerated and partially made up soap opera life story. While I'd still call this a decent film, I certainly wouldn't recommend it to someone who wants the true story of Kahlo's life.

As a half-fictional biopic, its alright. Nothing more, nothing less.