Frida *** (2002, Salma Hayek, Alfred Molina, Geoffrey Rush, Antonio Banderas, Roger Rees, Diego Luna) – Classic Movie Review 7195

Director Julie Taymor’s 2002 film Frida is a passionate, swirling and colourful biopic of doomed Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, based on the book by Hayden Herrera. It won two Oscars: Best Original Score (Elliot Goldenthal) and Best Makeup (John E. Jackson, Beatrice De Alba).

It is clearly a labour of love for star/ producer Salma Hayek and director Taymor, and it is intelligent, revealing, informative and intriguing, but it could prove a bit of a depressing slog for all but the most patient of viewers.

Salma Hayek stars in Frida (2002).

Hayek is extremely impressive, though, ageing convincingly as she progresses from flirtatious 1920s student to accident victim to casualty of an unfaithful marriage with fellow painter Diego Rivera (Alfred Molina is seen at his best in this role).

Unfortunately, the normally excellent Geoffrey Rush contributes a really rotten extended cameo as Leon Trostsy, who came to Mexico and had an affair there with Frida.

Also in the strong cast are Antonio Banderas, Roger Rees, Diego Luna, Valeria Golino, Edward Norton, Saffron Burrows, Mia Maestro, Ashley Judd, Patricia Reyes Spindola, Amelia Zapata, Alejandro Usigliu and Lucia Bravo.

Frida is directed by Julie Taymor, runs 118 minutes, is made by Handprint, Lions Gate, Trimark, Ventanarisa and Miramax, is distributed by Buena Vista, is written by Clancy Sigal, Diane Lake, Gregory Nava and Anna Thomas,, based on the book by Hayden Herrera, is shot by Rodrigo Prieto, is produced by Salma Hayek, Nancy Hardin, Roberto Sneider and Lizz Speed, is scored by Elliot Goldenthal and designed by Felipe Fernández del Paso.

There were four other Oscar nominations: for Best Actress (Salma Hayek), Best Art Direction-Set Decoration (Felipe Fernández del Paso art director, Hania Robledo set decorator), Best Costume Design (Julie Weiss) and Best Original Song (Elliot Goldenthal music, Julie Taymor lyrics). Goldenthal won a Golden Globe for the score, and there was one Bafta award for Best Make Up/Hair.

© Derek Winnert 2018 Classic Movie Review 7195

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