Leiden University Student Repository

Kranendonk, Sanne (2016)

Frida Kahlo versus Hollywood - a comparative analysis on two notable themes (nationalism and the female body) as seen in Frida's paintings in comparison to the Hollywood film Frida

Bachelor thesis | International Studies (BA)

This research will investigate the topic of Frida Kahlo and her artwork, because it will try to find out whether the Hollywood film Frida directed by Julie Taymor in 2002 is an accurate cinematic rewriting of the ideals and issues presented in Frida Kahlo’s artwork from the early 20th century. This is done in order to let the reader of this thesis understand the problematic relationship between biographical Hollywood and real history. To be more specific, this thesis will answer the following question: How are Frida Kahlo’s ideals, as seen in her artwork, represented in the Hollywood film Frida and is this an accurate rewriting of Frida’s life? An answer to this research question will be formed by comparing paintings made by Frida Kahlo with scenes from the film about her life. By doing so, there will be a focus on two different themes: nationalism and the female body. Frida’s ideals with regard to these themes will be visible in the paintings, and are widely discussed by Hayden...Show moreThis research will investigate the topic of Frida Kahlo and her artwork, because it will try to find out whether the Hollywood film Frida directed by Julie Taymor in 2002 is an accurate cinematic rewriting of the ideals and issues presented in Frida Kahlo’s artwork from the early 20th century. This is done in order to let the reader of this thesis understand the problematic relationship between biographical Hollywood and real history. To be more specific, this thesis will answer the following question: How are Frida Kahlo’s ideals, as seen in her artwork, represented in the Hollywood film Frida and is this an accurate rewriting of Frida’s life? An answer to this research question will be formed by comparing paintings made by Frida Kahlo with scenes from the film about her life. By doing so, there will be a focus on two different themes: nationalism and the female body. Frida’s ideals with regard to these themes will be visible in the paintings, and are widely discussed by Hayden Herrera in her biography on Frida’s life. The film touches upon those themes as well. This is interesting for the purpose of this thesis, as it will try to find out whether this is done in an accurate way.Show less

Author

Kranendonk, Sanne

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Supervisors

Brandellero, S.L.A.

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en