MikePadgett.com

• Director: Julie Taymor
• United States, 2002
• 

Frida is almost brilliant. For a start, it has to be one of the most beautifully shot films this decade, thanks in no small part to the prodigal cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto who adds these triumphant visuals to his impressive list (Babel, Brokeback Mountain, 21 Grams, Amores Perros). Elliot Goldenthal’s soundtrack, enhanced by onscreen contributions from Lila Downs and Chavela Vargas, is rich and memorable.

What’s remarkable about Frida Kahlo’s art is that it uniquely expresses her internal self, representing multiple emotions often with some extra element that quietly disturbs. This film has all of that visual impact but lacks the emotional bite, leaving the art itself to fill key dramatic moments. It’s a bold tactic that doesn’t quite come off.

Salma Hayek’s portrayal of the Mexican artist is solid but the script, by Taymor and Edward Norton, doesn’t really stretch her enough and the peppering of rather conspicuous gringo dialogue in her part leaves a bitter taste. After two hours of beautiful images, I was left wondering, but for the wrong reasons.

• Director: Neil Burger
• United States, 2006
• 

Looking for some diversion ahead of a long flight, I first came across Steven Millhauser’s unusual oeuvre in Bangkok airport around New Year 2001. Maybe I even judged the book by its cover, but a short story collection entitled The Knife Thrower & Other Stories would catch any travel-weary eye. Indeed, Millhauser’s picaresque work all but cries out to be filmed and the titular tall tale exhibited a strong kinship with The Illusionist, his first story to be committed to celluloid.

Dusty sepia stock and delicate titles open the film. It’s all beautifully rendered, with a stunning Czech location standing in for the grandeur of 19th century Vienna.

The performances of Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti are certainly compelling, but though the opening moments promise much, the creepy, oddball essence of Millhauser’s bric-a-brac bazaar sadly eludes the rest.