Review of Frida (2002) by Bahar K — 14 Jan 2008

Who & how is Frida?

Frida Kahlo is a half-paralyzed painter after receiving a hard injury meanwhile her childhood who brought in its pain into her works, she had a very adventurous life; in art, in marriage &?

Julie Taymotr born in 1952 & graduated from Oberlin Colleget, Ohio, has brought Frida on screen with Salma Hayek as her, showing all her passion & emotions in painting, meanwhile screening Hayden Herrera?s book colorfully. The way she has directed this movie is exceptional : all those various colors for a painter's life, all those sufferings portraited for an injured spirit, all those marvelous pieces of music for advancing the story, such a great seamless rhythm with appropriate timing for sequences &?

Salma Hayek & Alfred Molina as Frida & Diego Rivera (her husband) are inapproachable, their work is complete, a passionate couple who share many of their thoughts but not all, they love life with every bit & aspect of it. They are constant on their ideals but tolerant & flexible to each others thoughts & all these are brought nicely to screen, you never hesitate in believing them. All other actors & actresses are the same.

Clancy Sigal, Diane Lake, Gregory Nava & Anna Thomas (two men & two WOMEN) are good for adopting a book from a Mexican writer about a Mexican FEMALE artist, with 14 producers for this film (who 9 of them are women) & all the consepts that are current on screen, you can entitle this movie as a feministic work.

Elliot Goldenthal in this movie is one of the exceptions in the world of movie music who can stand alone in front of great musicians like Ennio Morricone or John Williams. His music in Frida is marvelous. The Mexican song produced for the sequence of Trotsky's death is adorable.

Rodrigo Prieto has cinematographed Frida just as he should : colorful & clarified. With best shot sizes & warm colors anywhere needed. Cold colors for weakness & injuries, warm colors for passionate & emotional scenes & happiness & also for showing the exact painted works.

Françoise Bonnot has edited Julie Taymor & Rodrigo Prieto?s work with great art, the chief part of Frida?s rhythm is beholden to his work. Tracing Frida & Rivera?s life & work history with traveling in time is completely harmonized with timings of the relatedc sequences.

You would enjoy watching it.