Julie Taymor really has an eye for beauty, which she has proved in her Broadway version of The Lion King and her first film, Titus. In Frida, she reigns in her over-blown effects work that set Titus apart, but also set it on the border of overblown. Here she uses the rich, earth-tones of Mexico and the beautiful pastels of Santa Fe to bring to life the story of artist, Frida Kahlo.
Frida is portrayed by Selma Hayek in a eye-opening performance that proves the woman CAN actually act. This is her vehicle as star and producer, so has made sure to bring all of Frida's modesty, love of art, temper and pain to life to the screen. She does so with both subtly and with an air of yearning for acceptance within the acting community. This is not a bad thing as it brings out the qualities of Frida of yearning to be accepted with art that she is convinced only she will like due to their very personal nature.
Of course, none of Hayek's attempts would be as good as they are if not for her supporting cast. Alfred Molina is simply incredible as her communist, self-gratifying husband and comrade in painting, Diego Rivera. And Mia Maestro gives a sublime performance in the small role of Frida's sister, Cristina.
Also supporting the cast is the movie's music. As much part of Mexican heritage as part of the film, great thought is given to the songs used in the pivotal scenes. These heighten the emotional level of the film such as the scene where Frida is being sung to in an empty bar after finding Diego cheating with Cristina.
But the best part of the film is Taymor's use of special effects to literally bring Frida's paintings to life. Extraordinary care is given to re-create her paintings as live set pieces. It's simply amazing. This is Taymor's element and none are doing it better in film.
As the film ends, we witness, through Frida's painting, that Diego has respected her request to have her cremated. She wants her broken body burned to make sure that she would never have to return to the physical pain and agony that she bravely face through most of her. A suffering that, had it not happened, may have robbed the world of her inspirational, provocative, original and emotional-twisting artwork.
Frida is portrayed by Selma Hayek in a eye-opening performance that proves the woman CAN actually act. This is her vehicle as star and producer, so has made sure to bring all of Frida's modesty, love of art, temper and pain to life to the screen. She does so with both subtly and with an air of yearning for acceptance within the acting community. This is not a bad thing as it brings out the qualities of Frida of yearning to be accepted with art that she is convinced only she will like due to their very personal nature.
Of course, none of Hayek's attempts would be as good as they are if not for her supporting cast. Alfred Molina is simply incredible as her communist, self-gratifying husband and comrade in painting, Diego Rivera. And Mia Maestro gives a sublime performance in the small role of Frida's sister, Cristina.
Also supporting the cast is the movie's music. As much part of Mexican heritage as part of the film, great thought is given to the songs used in the pivotal scenes. These heighten the emotional level of the film such as the scene where Frida is being sung to in an empty bar after finding Diego cheating with Cristina.
But the best part of the film is Taymor's use of special effects to literally bring Frida's paintings to life. Extraordinary care is given to re-create her paintings as live set pieces. It's simply amazing. This is Taymor's element and none are doing it better in film.
As the film ends, we witness, through Frida's painting, that Diego has respected her request to have her cremated. She wants her broken body burned to make sure that she would never have to return to the physical pain and agony that she bravely face through most of her. A suffering that, had it not happened, may have robbed the world of her inspirational, provocative, original and emotional-twisting artwork.