Frida

Frida is the 2002 dramatic biopic of surrealist painter Frida Kahlo, a woman who channeled her experience of chronic pain into timeless works of art.

The casting was unique and full of high profile actors including Alfred Molina, Antonio Banderas and Edward Norton. The acting from the entire cast was good but for me Salma Hayek was the star of this film. I can see why she was nominated for an Academy Award for her portrayal of Kahlo. She brought the physical and emotional pain that Kahlo felt from her long lasting injuries and also the tumultuous relationship that she had with her husband.

The hair, makeup and costumes were beautiful and bright. They were works of art within themselves which was perfect for this movie. The Academy Award for Best Makeup was a well-deserved.

Cinematically I really liked the edits, especially the reenactment of Kahlo’s art. It is explained best by the American Film Institute who included Frida in their Movies of the Year for 2002. They said, “The film's unique visual language takes us into an artist's head and reminds us that art is best enjoyed when it moves, breathes and is painted on a giant canvas, as only the movies can provide.”

My only criticisms would be that I would have liked more Spanish incorporated in the script and there needed to be a clearer more detailed timeline throughout the movie. Other than that, it was an entertaining and easy movie to watch.