Frida

Frida Kahlo, the gifted Mexican painter, is the subject of this impressionistic, sparsely told, tale. On her deathbed, Frida (Ofelia Medina) moves in and out of consciousness, remembering snippets of her life in non-chronological order. Afflicted by polio as a child; and later losing a leg, as the result of an accident; Frida has been no stranger to pain and its physical symbols (the cane, the wheelchair, the back brace, etc.). Yet, within the shell of this physically debilitated woman, there resided a strong spirit; even a sense of vanity--as evidenced by the score of mirrors which adorn her bedroom. Much of her personality is filtered through the personal and political relationships with the artist Diego Rivera (Juan Jose Gurrola), and the Soviet political leader Leon Trotsky (Max Kerlow). Paul Leduc's film is not for every taste; it has a majestic slowness to it. But the images are rich (and often painful); the performances are winning; and the inner beauty, rage, hope, and sheer artistry of this amazing woman are an inspiration. Recommended. (R. Pitman)