Expertly crafted documentary on the life and times of the Mexican artist whose work continues to increase in both critical and public esteem. For close observers of Kahlo's life, there is not much new here, but the account is brilliantly organized and illustrated.
There is one touching, informal black and white closeup photo of Kahlo and Rivera - their heads only - that I had not seen before. Ms. Stechler seems certain that Kahlo and Leon Trotsky consummated a love affair, though my fairly extensive review of the historical record leaves this something of an open question.
The film was made for PBS - where it first aired on 3/23/05 - by the former spouse and frequent early collaborator of documentarist Ken Burns. This is the best of several films - both documentary and biopic - on Kahlo's life that I have seen. For more, go to the PBS website: http://www.pbs.org/weta/fridakahlo/ My grade: B+ 8/10.
There is one touching, informal black and white closeup photo of Kahlo and Rivera - their heads only - that I had not seen before. Ms. Stechler seems certain that Kahlo and Leon Trotsky consummated a love affair, though my fairly extensive review of the historical record leaves this something of an open question.
The film was made for PBS - where it first aired on 3/23/05 - by the former spouse and frequent early collaborator of documentarist Ken Burns. This is the best of several films - both documentary and biopic - on Kahlo's life that I have seen. For more, go to the PBS website: http://www.pbs.org/weta/fridakahlo/ My grade: B+ 8/10.