As a film enthusiast, one of the biggest regrets is not being able to watch all the amazing films worldwide, no matter how hard you try in your lifetime. This realization echoes the sentiment of renowned Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. The recent documentary “Frida,” which draws from the painter’s own diary, alleges that her biggest regret was that she wouldn’t be able to complete all the paintings she had envisioned, even if she had multiple lives.
Over the past century, there have been numerous shows and exhibitions featuring her work. However, there have been few notable works about her in recent times, with the 2002 biopic starring Salma Hayek being a standout. If you’re a fan of her art, you might want to add “Frida,” the documentary directed by Carla Gutierrez, to your watchlist.
The film focuses on Frida’s journey through her art, expressions, and personal struggles, making for a captivating watch. “Frida” features Frida Kahlo’s own words, taken from her diary, letters, interviews, and essays. Voice artist Fernanda Echevarria del Rivero brings Frida to life on screen. Alongside Frida’s words and Fernanda’s voice, Carla incorporates stock footage, photographs, and some of Frida’s most famous works.
If you’re a fan of Frida Kahlo, seeing animated versions of her iconic paintings like “Henry Ford Hospital” (1932), “Memory of the Heart” (1937), “The Two Fridas” (1939), “Self Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird” (1940), and “The Wounded Deer” (1946) will truly amaze you. Additionally, the use of natural sounds and background music enhances the documentary’s appeal.
Frida Kahlo’s life was more convoluted than her surreal paintings, and “Frida” sheds light on that complicatedness. The documentary begins with her teenage years and provides a comprehensive overview of her life, from her childhood to her final days. It delves into her relationship with Diego Rivera and explores her thoughts on love and sexuality.
Through her journey from childhood to adulthood, viewers learn about her life-threatening accidents, struggles, and more. In her hometown, Frida’s father was the only one who pursued studies in science, geography, and other subjects, which she saw as a path to enlightenment. This theme is highlighted throughout the film, with monochrome frames transitioning to colour whenever it’s discussed, symbolizing enlightenment and a higher path.
It makes it obvious to see that Frida moved away from fanaticism and superstition and embraced a more enlightened worldview. In one memorable scene from the film, young Frida innocently asks whether the Virgin Mary was truly a virgin. In response, she’s cast out of the church, facing consequences for her innocent curiosity. This moment highlights Frida’s childlike nature and the consequences of questioning societal norms. As the story unfolds, it also addresses the hypocrisy of society regarding relationships.
Throughout her life, Frida Kahlo encountered hypocrisy from both society at large and those close to her. Through her writings and paintings, she openly expressed her views on universal issues, providing insight into her perspective.
Frida doesn’t hold back when discussing the United States either, often citing the classic proverb, “Everything that glitters is not gold.” She points out that while the US may have a shiny exterior, inside, there’s a lot of unemployment and depression.
Frida Kahlo’s life and art share a deep thematic connection. Her truest love was her artistic expression, which set her apart even within the surrealistic movement. While surrealism typically explores dreams, Frida’s work delved into the domain of reality. ‘Frida’ offers a compelling, dramatic, and engaging portrayal that leaves a lasting impact, regardless of whether you’re a fan or a passer-by.
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Verdict - 8/10
8/10