Frida (2002)

The third film I've chosen for my blog is 2002's FRIDA directed by Julie Taymor. This film tells the story of Frida Kahlo, perhaps Mexico's most well-known, legendary artist. This film is full of stunning shots and so I have plenty for you to feast your eyes on as I discuss this film.

The color palette of this film is so striking. Strong primary colors are visible throughout, lots of blue. The representation of people through art is fascinating. The distortion of humanity through the eyes of an artist is one gift this film offers.

Maybe the most striking image in the film. The bus accident that cripples Kahlo for life is so beautifully filmed. Gold dust flying through the air over a blood soaked Salma Hayek. This shot sums up the style of the film to me. Special shout-out to cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto. Great work.
So creepy. Taymor knows how to create a harrowing instant image. She brings them quickly and brilliantly.
After the accident Frida discovers a passion for painting and the film invites us to relish her newfound joy with her. The integration of painting works seamlessly in this film and sometimes the paintings are interchangeable with actual filmed images.
She finds a new strength and independence that is inspiring to watch. She takes on Alfred Molina's Diego Rivera. She drives the relationship in an almost emasculating fashion.
Hayek plays Kahlo in a way that makes her both seemingly impervious and also so vulnerable she could shatter with the pain of heartbreak. She's a woman unlike any other; a true revolutionary. In this shot she greets Rivera as a colleague, a fellow artist.
And in no time they find themselves here: married and conforming to an ideal that was never meant for them. They're both unprepared, but bold in their decision. There's tremendous life in their stillness.
The creativity of Taymor as a filmmaker is a thrill to experience firsthand. She draws inspiration from many mediums and creates a beautiful cornucopia of imagery. This shot reflects the influence of New York on Frida's imagination. She goes to the cinema and is affected by King Kong. She lives in the shadows of Rivera's Kong.

Until Diego's fall from grace. This fall is the beginning in a power shift. Frida's rise to fame begins as Diego falls into a stagnant period. The two grow further apart until he betrays her.

Frida draws the line and shuts him out of her bedroom and her heart. Check out those nifty stairs and the lighting is to die for.

She hacks away at the femininity that bound her in her relationship with Diego and sheds her past. Love the faithfulness to Kahlo's artwork. Hayek's intensity is completely palpable and I respect it so much.
I laughed at this. Vociferously.

I just love this shot.
The art direction and production design of this film is impeccable. The effortless transition from country to country is quite impressive. The color and saturation of each country is distinctively different and accurate in its depiction. I especially love the sequence that's set in a sultry, warm-toned France.
I love this sequence. Do it to me again, Taymor!
Frida is a film of serious merit. The central performance is one that effortlessly carries the film and the passion is there from everyone involved. This film is a true work of art and I strongly recommend it.