Film Review #1. Frida

FRIDA (2002)

Director: Julie Taymor
Genre: Biography, drama, romance
Lead actors: Salma Hayek, Alfred Molina, Geoffrey Rush, Antonio Banderas
Release Year: 2002
Country: US, Canada, Mexico
Run Time: 118 minutes
MPAA Rating: R

Sinopsis: a the film is based on the book “Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo” by Hayden Herrera and represents a biography of the Mexico artist Frida Kahlo, who was seriously injured by the road accident and all her life had to suffer not only because of the pain, but also because of her imperious and brash husband - Diego Rivera.

Review:

Frida Kahlo(Salma Hayek) is a woman who doomes to suffer from the pain, having been injured by a trolley accident in her youth. Having a great abilities as an artist, after the accident she begins to paint. It allowes her as well as the love to live, boundless optimism, and permanent beleif in the best, to reach her fame and recognition. Meeting her greatest love - Diego Rivera (Alfred Molina) - an outstanding talent, a drunkard and a ladies' man, brings Kahlo much happiness,an ability to see the world and to believe in the power of her talent. And yet, the same love causes her the biggest disappointment and suffering from disability Rivera to be faithful to one woman  up to the loss of its own, so desired child.

To my mind - the main theme of the film is love and optimism, because inspite of all difficulties in her life Frida finds energy and power for life and painting.

As for the actor’s performances, Salma Hayek, for instance, proved herself to be a great actress. She is a real talent! Hayek isn't playing Frida she is Frida. Actually it was her role. She feels Frida and passes all her states and emotions so subtly, that we begin to forget that Salma is just an actress.

I'm  impressed with this movie greatly! First of all, I learned a lot of interesting and entertaining about Mexican culture, not only painting, but also music, traditions and customs. Secondly, I believe that this is the best role of Salma Hayek in the movie. She seemes to live in the film and it is not surprising, because she is Mexican. Third, I discover for myself Frida Kahlo, she was truly an amazing woman. After watching the film, I wanted to learn more about her life and creativity and see some of her paintings. This film is the best work in the genre of biography, which I've watched.