`Frida' is a shallow and almost mono-chrome rendition of an extraordinary colorful person living in revolutionary times. Unfortunately, the film is focused on the personal tribulations of Frida and the serial infidelities of her husband, Diego Rivera. Both artists aren't placed within the exciting cultural revolution that engulfed Mexico pre-WWII. Great artists don't appear in a vacuum, but depend on a nurturing culture; this film doesn't even attempt to mention such context.
The film goes from one personal drama involving Diego to another. The focus is their relationship and Frida's personal tragedy involving her disabilities. Both artists are short changed - giants in real life boxed into a small frame. However, a redeeming feature of the film is the stellar acting of the Frida & Diego roles. With such a cast and great theme, so much more could have been achieved by throwing in some more historical or cultural context. It is also a shame that the film was produced in English; why can't an audience be assumed to be mature or literate enough to read a few subtitles? Mexicans may rightly barf at the portrayal of their artists and this particular slice of history.
One is also struck at the liberties the script took in portraying Frida's life. Frida having an affair with Trotsky? Where did they get this irrelevant snippet? Oh yes, Frida may have had some homosexual escapades. The film makes a big deal of this.
The film goes from one personal drama involving Diego to another. The focus is their relationship and Frida's personal tragedy involving her disabilities. Both artists are short changed - giants in real life boxed into a small frame. However, a redeeming feature of the film is the stellar acting of the Frida & Diego roles. With such a cast and great theme, so much more could have been achieved by throwing in some more historical or cultural context. It is also a shame that the film was produced in English; why can't an audience be assumed to be mature or literate enough to read a few subtitles? Mexicans may rightly barf at the portrayal of their artists and this particular slice of history.
One is also struck at the liberties the script took in portraying Frida's life. Frida having an affair with Trotsky? Where did they get this irrelevant snippet? Oh yes, Frida may have had some homosexual escapades. The film makes a big deal of this.