Few artists leave a legacy that becomes championed by an entire country. Yet Frida Kahlo stood out as an icon, even while her career unfolded. The iconic Mexican painter and artist built incredible pieces that addressed the pain and suffering of her life. She also pushed back against cultural norms around womanhood, motherhood, and being a partner in a relationship. Amazon’s new documentary, titled Frida, allows the audience to explore her life through her journals.
Frida Plot
Directed by Carla Gutierrez, Frida pulls from Kahlo diaries and those of her social circles throughout her life. As she rises to prominence as an artist, she becomes intertwined with Diego Rivera. The two collaborate and use each other as a sounding board, even when they are unfaithful to one another. They built up the Mexican art scene, and over time, Frida became known worldwide for her bold, honest artwork.
The Critique
Few things are more frustrating in movies than the documentary of an artist who does not attempt to bring their life to work. Creating work and visuals in the style of an icons is enough to keep fans and newcomers engaged. It also helps an artist’s work stand out, allowing their work to shine bright. It’s a unique aspect of art-focused documentaries. We cannot simulate playing baseball with Hank Aaron or attending an international treaty negotiation with Madeline Albright. However, raising the movie’s visual palette while embracing their artistry instantly adds a feeling of celebration and influence to the subject.
Luckily, Gutierrez embraces this aspect of Frida. Kahlo’s journals allow unprecedented access to her musings and, as a result, extra material to integrate. The drawings quickly take shape in the corners of the screen, supplementing the auditory experience that would dull audiences in other circumstances. Utilizing animation, in particular, is wise for Frida, as her art already feels surrealist and other-worldly. This further reinforces the unique style of her pieces and shines a light on her talent.
Furthermore, we get unfettered access into her trials and tribulations. Not only do we get her narration, but the perspectives of friends and family. It’s most heartbreaking during her miscarriage, as the descriptions during the process shock the audience. Following up her friend’s description with Kahlo’s inner monologue provides context and emotion. While other bio-docs focus too much on one or the other, Frida masterfully interweaves the two.
This creates an interesting dynamic at the heart of the movie. In many ways, Kahlo was an ordinary woman with traditional wants and needs. Yet we know she was a countercultural figure, helping Rivera rise to prominence worldwide. Her intimate and heartfelt diary entries allow us to see a vulnerability many would never have experienced. The materials used to create the documentary are treasures.
At the same time, scenes that do not include the fresh animations often revert to a slideshow of still photography. While this gives us a sense of Frida’s life, it does not feel particularly cinematic at times. The juxtaposition of the still photography with the animated paintings leaves Frida feeling a little uneven at times.
In Conclusion
Frida delivers an above-average documentary for its subject. In many ways, its use of animation and unique art helps highlight Kahlo’s impeccable style. As a result, we feel more connected to Frida than we would with another subject. While Kahlo experienced loss and tragedy, she consistently took the next step toward immortality. As a result, she became an icon and an inspiration. Frida offers a new generation of artists the opportunity to learn about her incredible life.
8/10
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