Frida, Viva La Vida
Fascinating portrait of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo (1907-1954), who managed to capture her own poignant life story in colourful self-portraits.
Kahlo’s art has its roots in traditional nineteenth-century Mexican retablos, or altarpieces. But she was also influenced and inspired by the artists of her time – such as Diego Rivera, with whom she had a relationship throughout a large part of her life. Her work is intense and reflects the chronic physical pain she had, the grief over her childlessness and her heartbreak. Her paintings depict pain and suffering, but at the same time radiate energy and zest for life.
In this documentary, Italian actress Asia Argento tells the life story of Frida Kahlo. The documentary combines interviews – including one with Kahlo’s great-niece, photographer Cristina Kahlo – with historical archive footage and re-enactments. Above all, however, Kahlo’s paintings tell the story, such as her well-known self-portraits THE TWO FRIDAS (1939), THE BROKEN COLUMN (1944) and THE WOUNDED DEER (1946).