Portrait of a Master. Review on Frida Movie

Frida Kahlo was a Mexican Artist who painted from the 1930s through to her death in the 1950s. Famed for her self explorations on canvass, and explosive lifestyle she had long been ignored by the main stream of art. In fact North Americans have been far too dismissive of any work done ''south of the border'' Mexican art has a vibrancy of colour and a passion of expression that is sorely missed in the majority of contemporary art. The movie Frida, which traces the life of Ms. Kahlo goes a long way in correcting this oversight. As a biography we are given the pertinent details of the formative events in her life. The accident which permanently scared her body and left her pain ridden until her death; her tumultuous relationship with her artist husband Diego Rivera; and her obsession with social justice, which included a short fling with exiled communist Leo Trotsky. The majority of Frida's work was autobiographical, and they are what the director has decided to frame the movie around. Segments of her life are highlighted by the paintings of that period: the still painting will dissolve into the kinetic motion of her life. Like the woman herself and her paintings this movie is inspiring as it shows us a person who overcomes tremendous obstacles in order to fulfil her dreams and ambitions. This is a driven woman. The characterizations in this movie were wonderful. Salma Hayek does a masterful job portraying the fire and passion of Frida, as well as her vulnerability. She has deliberately toned down her natural physical beauty, but manages to portray the beauty that comes from talent, genius, and energy that must have made Frida the vital and attractive woman she was. Diego Rivera is portrayed by Alfred Molina. Diego was a famous artist in his own right, in fact he was the more famous of the two during their lives. He was an advocate of socialist realism, big murals depicting the struggles of the people in public places so that all could see. He is an unfaithful husband but at the same time Frida's biggest fan. At one point in the movie, and from then on, he insists that she is the better artist, because she paints what 's on the inside of people. Alfred Molina does his usual masterful job in creating a full and true character. His accent is flawless(remember he's British)and he shows us an insecure, talented, charming man with an ego the size of a house, but a remarkable humility when it comes to recognising his own flaws and appreciating his wife. Frida the movie is populated by various well known actors making cameo appearances; Ed Norton plays Rockeffeler Jr., Geoffrey Rush makes a wonderfully vigorous Trotsky, and various others pop up through out the movie. If you want to be inspired by a woman's struggle to overcome obstacles, to view a beautifully filmed movie filled with remarkable art, and see a good story then I would highly recommend Frida.