I watched the movie "Frida" yesterday, and I enjoyed it on several levels. I picked it up on the suggestion of a friend, and at first thought it would be kind of a "chick flick." It was. But it was interesting, emotional and beautiful. Lots of colors and visuals, emotions, sexuality and passion. It's the kind of chick flick that guys dig too.

After watching the movie, I was intrigued both with the movie's subject Frida Kahlo and with Salma Hayek, the actress who portrayed her and who championed the making of the film. Both are very interesting personalities, and beautiful women too.

Ironically, some critics have said that the movie somehow trivialized Frida Kahlo's work and ideals and that it focused too much into her personal and sexual life. But I felt that it did just the right thing, giving you a sense of who she was by imparting a feeling, which is surely the driving force behind an artist. It serves to make you want to learn more, and in doing so, makes best use of the film's two hours to paint a picture of a life. It certainly made me want more, and I think that says a lot about the film.

Salma Hayek

I won't turn this into a spoiler for those of you that haven't seen the movie. But I will tell you a few things that I thought were interesting. Apparently, Salma Hayek spent seven years championing the idea of this film before it was made. This is her film as much as anyone's. The film was as controversial as it's subject, and created quite a buzz in Hollywood. Madonna and Jennifer Lopez were said to have had an interest in making this film, but Hayek's involvement does seem much more natural. She even has an uncanny resemblence to Frida, which makes the film even more involving.

Probably the most compelling thing is that Frida is portrayed as being so interesting and with such passion and warmth, that even if your views are completely opposed to hers, you can't help but love her and all the people around her. You are presented with a bisexual, communist feminist so beautiful and compelling that Nixon would have adored her and stayed to watch the whole film, surely wanting to see it again.

I did pick up this movie on your suggestion. I had seen it for months in the rental stores and never picked it up. But when you told me about it, I thought I'd give it a try. After watching it, I found myself wanting to find out more about Frida Kahlo and her art, and also about Salma Hayek and the history of making the film. I think that is telling, when a film makes you want more.

Wayne

Another interesting fact, when mourners gathered to watch her cremation, Frida gave her fans one last frightening goodbye. As the cries of her admirers filled the room, the sudden blast of heat from the open incinerator doors blew her body bolt upright. Her hair, now on fire from the flames, blazed around her head like a halo. Frida's lips appeared to break into a seductive grin just as the doors closed shut.

And on that note...

I also read the description of her public cremation. Creepy but cool.

Speaking of death rituals, I think you already know this but maybe not. Did you know that the Zoroastrians place their dead in the open? They do not want the dead body to corrupt the earth or fire, so they expose it instead. Birds and animals eat the flesh.

Sounds freaky but it kinda makes sense if you think about it. Millions of people packed full of formaldahyde and planted can't be good. Feed Old Yeller instead.