Review – Frida

Why is it that of late Hollywood can’t seem to get past the notion that famous people – particularly artists – may best be brought to audiences through a graphic depiction of their sexual dalliances? I suppose here it’s because Frida Kahlo’s proclivities – and those of her husband, Diego Rivera – provide good opportunities for Salma Hayek in the title role to do partial frontal. To be fair, however, there’s more here than just soft core exploitation. Director and actors alike appear to have considerable affection for their subject. And goodness knows Kahlo led an interesting life. So despite the occasional intrusion of over-worked “artsy” interludes, the story works quite well indeed. I just wish they’d spent a bit more time on Kahlo’s vision and maybe just a little less on her romantic woes. Mildly amusing