Film Group

Jan. 28 – Frida (2003) directed by Julie Taymor presents the life of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo.  The film is problematized not only by Kahlo’s continuing cult appeal but also by its production within Harvey Weinstein’s Miramax studio.  Popular culture’s growing fascination with Kahlo had led to pop figures such as Madonna eager to exploit her legacy.  Weinstein’s involvement raises issues of sexual exploitation, particularly given the film’s female director and star, but also there is the context of Miramax’s business plan: somewhat risqué topics and treatments to enthrall a more upscale audience seeking greater sophistication.  Yet, Kahlo’s life and art deserve to be better known and understood and Taymor’s abilities in creating vivid, baroque images deserve our attention.