Original subtitles

♪♪ [Woman Singing In Spanish]

♪♪ [Ends]

[Birds Chirping]

[Woman Murmuring]

¡Arriba! ¡Arriba, arriba, arriba!

Careful, guys. This corpse is still breathing.

[Groans]

Try to get me there in one piece.

[Chattering]

[Groans]

[Both Exclaim]

- Hello, Professor. - Hello, Frida.

Diego Rivera is back in the auditorium!

- Who cares? - With a naked woman.

Oh, yeah. Yeah.

[Frida Laughs]

[Laughs Softly]

[Frida, Laughing Softly] Shh!

Why is this whore still here?

Huh?

Tell me.

Tell me, mi amor.

Are you planning to have her after lunch,

or have you fucked her already?

- Lupe, please don’t start. - Y-You think I don’t know what’s going on.

You must think I’m an idiot.

- I can’t work like this. - Yes, you can.

Your food and your slut.

That’s all you need to paint your pinche murals!

- Hey! Get out! -[Lupe] And don’t come home!

Don’t come home and give me one of your speeches...

about the artist and the people and your fucking revolution!

You only care about yourself, you piece of shit!

[Footsteps Echoing]

[Door Closes]

So much for lunch.

Although...

- I could eat you, perhaps. - [Laughs]

[Diego Chuckles]

l-I’ve eaten female flesh before. Yeah.

[Murmuring]

Wrapped up in... tortillas.

[Both Laugh]

Tastes like...

the tenderest young pig.

Watch out, Diego! Lupe’s coming back!

[Laughter]

Fucking punks!

Come on, you little anarchists!

Come and light another one of your firecrackers, if you dare!

[Whispering] Let’s go! Frida!

[Laughs]

[Laughter]

Just keeping you honest, panzon.

Panzon.

Do I look fat to you?

[Both Moaning]

Shh!

- [Moans Loudly] - Shh!

[Panting]

- [Frida Moaning] - Shh, shh, shh, shh!

[Birds Chirping]

[Chattering]

Oh, yeah.

- Here you are. - Gracias.

Frida, we found the most beautiful fabric for my wedding dress today.

- Fantastic. - It cost a fortune.

[Children Laughing, Shouting Outside]

♪♪ [Man On Radio]

- Mama? - Yes?

- Are these ripe? - They should be.

Let me see. These are fine.

These need a day or two.

Maybe you’ll get married, too, one day.

One can only hope.

Lunch is almost ready.

Go get the artist.

[Frida] I love this one.

It’s beautiful.

[German accent] I like it, too.

They’re busy with the wedding.

Cristina is so excited about her dress.

Good.

Everyone should be excited when they get married.

I suppose— if that’s what you want.

[Chuckles]

And, uh, what do you want?

I don’t know.

I just don’t think that marriage is for everyone.

Well, you need a good reason to do it,

just like with anything else.

What do you think matters most for a good marriage?

A short memory.

[Both Laugh]

Why did you get married, Papa?

Mmm, I can’t remember.

[Both Laugh]

So I could have you.

♪♪ [Radio: Popular]

And concentrate, everybody.

♪♪ [Radio: Man Singing In Spanish] Wait. Where is Frida?

Adriana, go tell your sister to hurry up.

I always wanted a son.

And Matilde, everyone, eyes to the camera, and—

[Shutter Clicks]

Come on. We’ll miss our bus.

[All Chattering]

♪♪ [Folk Band]

[Gasps]

- Frida! - Excuse me.

How much is the calaca?

Frida, come on!

♪♪ [Man Singing In Spanish]

- [Frida] The bus! - We’ll take the next one.

No, no, no! Come, come, come!

W-Watch out. Hey.

[Panting]

Anyway, I just don't think he’s completely apolitical.

That’s all.

But that’s because you read it after you read Marx.

You— You always read things in the wrong order!

That’s ridiculous.

Why should it matter what order you read it in?

Because if you have already read Marx,

then of course Hegel is going to seem political.

But the truth is, the idea of history as a dialectic,

- it just predicts Marx, which is not the same— - Is that gold?

Real gold?

For the ceiling of the opera house.

- [Horn Honks] - ¡Muévete!

[Horn Honks] - [Driver] ¡Muévete!!

Ay, move it, idiot!

[Engine Revs]

[Horn Honks]

[Tires Screeching]

- [Thud] - [Gasps]

[Passengers Shouting]

[Man] Your brake!

- [Sounds Echoing] - [Wings Flapping]

[Metal Screeching]

[No Audible Dialogue]

[Radio Tuning]

[Rattling]

- [Bullet Ricochets] - [Growls]

[Distorted Voices]

[Wheels Squeaking]

[Muttering]

- [Distorted Voices] - [Electrical Sizzling]

[Man, Distorted] The spinal column was broken,

as were the collarbone and two ribs.

The pelvis is broken in three places.

The metal rod entered the right side of the body...

and came out the vagina.

The right leg has 11 fractures—

[Normal Voice] And the foot was crushed.

Will she ever walk again?

Let’s make sure she lives first.

[No Audible Dialogue]

[Hushed Chattering]

[Door Closes]

ls Alex alive?

- Frida. - Is he all right?

He was hurt, but not terribly.

He was here yesterday when you were not awake.

And Mama?

It was too much for them, Fridocha.

- They are at home. - How long have I been here?

Three weeks.

We’re almost there.

[Frida’s Father] Gently now.

[Matilde] There is nothing left to spend.

[Father] I will sell some of my equipment.

[Matilde] For another operation that probably won’t work.

[Dish Rattles] - [Father] No. Listen.

Maybe this time it will work.

And then how will you make money?

I’ll… paint portraits again.

Admit it, Guillermo.

She’ll never walk again.

[Knocks]

Go on in, Alex. She’s waiting for you.

[Pencil Scratching]

[Hinges Creak]

Hello, ugly.

They’re beautiful.

How do you feel?

Like I’ve been hit by a bus. [Laughs]

Come on, silly. Come, come. Come sit with me.

Look.

It’s my only good angle at the moment.

No, it’s not.

I like you this way.

You’re easier to keep up with.

Spengler— because you love him.

Schopenhauer— because it’s good for you.

Oh, Alex.

You know I adore you.

I’ve missed you so much.

I told the doctor the handrail had taken my virginity.

[Both Laugh]

I’m sure he believed you.

You know,

when I get out of this cast,

I’m going to show you a couple of things I still remember from before.

Okay.

What?

My aunt and my uncle are leaving for Europe, and...

they’ve invited me to come along.

But that’s wonderful.

When would you leave?

Soon.

Next week.

How long will you be gone?

They’re going for two months, and...

afterwards I might stay on at the Sorbonne.

I wiII be staying on.

Did I tell you that I’m going to walk again?

Yes.

Do you believe it?

Of course I do.

You’d better.

Because you’re going to miss it.

[Stammers]

- Frida— - I want you to leave before I finish this butterfly.

[Door Closes]

[Sobs]

[Birds Chirping]

[Door Opens]

[Footsteps]

[Guillermo] How are you feeling? [Scoffs]

How am I feeling?

I can’t even remember what it felt like before the pain.

[Laughs] Isn’t that horrible?

Dr. Farril is coming on Monday.

He is bringing a back specialist, Dr. Cervantes.

[Sighs]

I feel like some rich girl with a new suitor every week.

But all my suitors have turned into doctors.

And I’m not a rich girl, Papa.

How come you never ask me about my plans anymore?

Hmm?

You used to always say—

[German accent] “Tell me your plans, Frida.”

[Chuckles]

What are your plans, Frida?

Right now I’m a burden,

but I hope to be a self-sufficient cripple one day.

After that, I don’t know.

You are not a burden,

my love.

See? Here.

We have something for you.

Matilde, come.

- We noticed that there was no more room left on your cast, so— - Oh!

Mm-hmm.

[Laughs]

[Sighs]

[Exhales]

[Exhales]

[Dog Barking In Distance]

[Baby Cooing]

- Now you look like a gringa movie star. - Let me see.

[Guillermo, Matilde Chattering]

It’s too much money.

Mama, Papa.

I have a surprise.

[Grunts]

Careful now.

Don’t worry. Don’t worry. It’s all right.

[Gasps]

[Exclaims]

[Chattering]

[Engine Idling]

[Man Speaking Spanish]

[Diego] I need the ochre.

- Is it ready? - [Man] Almost.

No. Now. I need it now.

Okay. [Mutters]

Señor Rivera?

Diego!

Who are you? What do you want?

I have something important to discuss with you.

I’m working.

I’ll wait.

I don’t have time to chat with schoolgirls.

I’m not a schoolgirl, panzon.

Okay. Come on up here.

No. You come down.

[Chuckles]

What?

Look, I didn’t come here for fun or to flirt.

I’ve done some paintings which I want you to look over professionally,

and I need an absolutely straightforward opinion of my work.

You were that girl in the auditorium.

Yes, I was, but that has nothing to do with now.

I just want your serious opinion.

What do you care about my opinion?

If you’re a real painter, you’ll paint because you can’t live without painting.

You’ll paint till you die. Okay?

I have to work to earn a living,

so I don’t have time to fool around just for vanity.

If I’m not good enough,

I have to do something else to help my parents.

Leave the best one here. Go home and paint another one.

If this one’s any good, I’ll come and look at that one on my day off.

[Footsteps]

[Diego] Orozco is a true artist.

He’s tremendous.

And Siqueiros could be great...

if he’d pull his head out of his own ass and look around.

[Trotting Footsteps]

[Door Opens]

Comrade Rivera.

What a nice surprise.

What if I told you that easel painting like yours is finished,

that it’s headed for the trash like other elitist, bourgeois pastimes?

I’d say cut the propaganda.

[Chuckles]

This is very good work.

- You have real talent. - Oh, come on.

I’m not looking for your compliments.

I want a serious critique.

But I’m being sincere.

These are very original paintings.

None of the usual tricks.

But that’s— that’s not specific.

You have to trust a true compliment as much as a critique.

Yeah, well, some people have told me not to trust what you say.

They say if a girl asks your opinion,

and she’s not a complete fright,

you’ll gush all over her.

I need you to tell me one thing honestly—

Do you actually believe that I should continue to paint?

Yes.

Yes.

♪♪ [Phonograph: Up-Tempo Jazz] [Chattering]

[Diego] You’ll like Tina.

She’s a brilliant photographer, one of the few with real taste.

Do you know Álvarez Bravo?

I know his work. It’s good.

I’II introduce you to him. He’ll want to photograph you.

- Without clothes, of course. - Of course.

[Both Laugh]

♪♪ [Continues]

That’s the thing about these radicals.

They’re a little dangerous, but they definitely throw the best parties.

Ah, at last!

ll mostro.

Tina!

This is Frida Kahlo.

She’s a wonderful painter.

- She wants to be a wonderful painter. - Oh, don’t be shy.

Nobody really thinks their own stuff is good except Diego.

- [Chuckles] - He’s the only one who’s sure.

Go find Siqueiros.

He’s been bad-mouthing you again.

You come with me.

Great party.

[Laughing]

Everybody, I have someone for you to meet.

This is Frida Kahlo.

She came with Diego.

Another pretty girl—

♪♪ [Continues, Muffled]

[Woman] She’s quite a talent, no?

Julio Mella, the Cuban.

Tina took the last photo of him.

She was with him on the street when they gunned him down.

[Laughing]

Incredible.

They’re like clay in his hands.

It must be that body.

[Laughs] No.

It’s the way he looks at you...

and finds beauty in all your imperfections.

It’s irresistible.

You’d never think it to look at him,

but he’s had half the women here.

I’m sorry. Did you come with him?

Oh, n— We’re just friends.

I’m Frida Kahlo.

I’m a painter.

[Chuckling] A painter. No wonder. Mmm.

I’m Lupe Marín.

I’m his wife.

Ah—

I was his wife.

Good luck to you.

Bad-mouth him all you want, Diego,

but while we have been talking about socialism...

over drinks at parties for 10 years,

- Stalin is making it work. - [Groans]

- He’s achieving it. - Achieving what?

His only big idea so far...

is to throw out all the real thinkers in the land.

- But he just threw you out. - [Laughing] No. Not just me.

No, not just you. Mr. Trotsky— a man who plays the martyr...

when, in truth, he was rejected by his own country. Good riddance.

No. He had to run for his life. Stalin would have had him shot.

That’s his version of socialism—

Kill anyone who disagrees with you.

Well, some people have to get shot in a revolution, you know.

Well, I prefer evolution.

Educate the poor.

Mobilize the workers.

Rise like a slow tide.

But you, you’ll have your revolution, and kill half the poor to save them.

Diego, this from a Communist who’s getting rich...

painting for the government and wealthy patrons.

I can’t help it if the rich have good taste.

The rich don’t have good taste.

They pay someone to have good taste for them.

And they don’t hire you because you are good.

They hire you because you assuage their sense of guilt.

They use you, Diego,

and you are too vain to see it.

[Woman Gasps] No! Diego, no!

♪♪ [Stops]

[Man] ¿Qué haces?

Basta.

Whoever takes the biggest swig... can dance with me.

[Crowd Murmuring]

Bravo.

I’d rather have an intelligent enemy than a stupid friend.

Oh!

[Guests Laughing]

[Laughs]

Shall we?

[Crowd Murmuring]

[Whispering]

[Chuckles]

♪♪ [Mid-Tempo Arpeggios]

♪♪ [Woman Singing In Spanish]

♪♪ [Continues In Spanish]

[Both Laugh]

[Laughter, Applause]

[People Chattering]

[Typewriter Keys Clacking]

[Chattering]

[Together] iEl pueblo, unido, jamás sera vencido!

iEl pueblo, unido, jamás sera vencido!

iEl pueblo, unido, jamás sera vencido!

[Chattering]

...and more women.

So next time I’ll make sure that happens, okay?

[Both Laugh]

Miss Kahlo.

- You may have to hold me up. - [Chuckles]

That Torres is a good man, but he’s got to be much more careful.

[Chuckles] What is this?

Your studio?

One of the benefits of being party leader—

You can arrange for the drinking to be done close to home.

And now that you are officially a comrade,

I believe I can let you see it, if you like.

Hey, listen.

If you think I’m going to sleep with you...

just because you’ve taken me under your wing, you’re wrong.

Me?

l was painting murals and womanizing in peace when you came along.

Anyway, sex is like pissing.

People take it much too seriously.

In Russia— Oh, my God. In Russia, everyone was fucking like rabbits.

Well, this isn’t Russia.

No, thank Christ.

I have a proposal.

We will not sleep together.

We will solemnly swear, right here, right now,

that we will be friends only.

Fine.

Comrades, colleagues...

and friends forever.

[Electricity Humming]

[Laughs]

Did you arrange for that?

Cost me a fortune.

[Whispering] I have a scar.

Let me see it.

You’re perfect.

Perfect.

[Sighs]

[No Audible Dialogue]

[Sniffing]

Mmm! I always wanted a man with melones bigger than mine.

[Laughs]

You know what I’ve always loved?

What?

A girl with cojones.

[Chuckles]

- Aaah! - Oh!

[Both Laugh]

- Aaah! Aaah! - Oh! [Laughs]

These are good, Frida. I love them.

Hmm.

You were probably painting better when you were 12.

[Laughs] That’s nonsense.

I could never paint like this.

[Scoffs]

I couldn’t. I’m serious.

I paint what I see—

the world outside—

but you,

you paint from here.

- It’s wonderful. - [Chuckles]

I can see why you’re so successful with women.

[Growls]

[Both Laugh]

We’ll have to get married, you know.

What?

The thing is,

I think it’s quite possible that we were born for each other,

so we should marry.

But you don’t believe in marriage.

Of course I do. I’ve had two wives already.

Exactly.

You can’t be true to only one woman.

True, yes.

Faithful,

no.

Unfortunately, I’m physiologically incapable of fidelity.

- Oh, really? - Yes. A doctor acquaintance of mine confirmed this.

What a convenient diagnosis.

Is fidelity that important to you?

Loyalty is important to me.

Can you be loyal?

To you?

- Always. - Good.

Because I love you, panzon.

Fridocha.

- I accept. - [Chuckles]

What a beautiful bride you are.

[Arguing, Muffled]

- You have to come in. - Don’t touch me.

Oh, you think I’m going to, uh, hit you?

But he’s divorced twice.

He’s had God knows how many children.

And he’s an atheist, Guillermo.

[Stammers] Perhaps you have forgotten,

and forgive me for reminding you,

but I am a German Jew, and you married me, remember?

- Yes. - Hmm.

He’s also a Communist.

A Communist who is generous enough to pay off our mortgage.

It’s like the marriage of an elephant and a dove.

[Murmuring]

[Door Opens]

♪♪ [Up-Tempo Jazz]

[Chattering, Laughing]

Oh! Your toe. [Laughs]

It’s been a long time.

- [Woman] I don’t want to talk. - I told you I wanted you to come.

- I don’t want to talk. - Please!

[Baby Crying]

- Please. - Cris—

Cristina!

- Stay here! - Back!

[Chattering]

I give them... six months.

Six? [Laughs]

I give them two. [Laughs]

[Glass Clinking]

I don’t believe in marriage.

- [Laughter] - No, I really don’t.

Let me be clear about that.

I think at worst it’s a hostile political act,

a way for small-minded men to keep women in the house...

and out of the way,

wrapped up in the guise of tradition...

- and conservative religious nonsense. - [Guests Laugh]

At best, it’s a happy delusion—

These two people who truly love each other and have no idea...

how truly miserable they’re about to make each other.

- [Laughter] - But—

But...

when two people know that...

and they decide with eyes wide open...

to face each other and get married anyway,

then I don’t think it’s conservative or delusional.

I think it’s radical and courageous...

- and very romantic. - [Crowd Murmurs]

To Diego and Frida.

[Together] Diego and Frida.

♪♪ [Singing In Spanish]

Aaah!

[Guests Laughing]

You’re crazy! You know that?

You’re crazy.

[Chuckles]

You son of a bitch!

Who cares? Ah!

You left these legs.

- Oh, Lupe. Lupe, no. - You left these legs, Diego.

You give up these beauties... for these matchsticks?

This peg leg? Mira. ¡Mira!

[Laughing]

[Grunting]

[Grunts]

Viva la revolución.

- [Grunts] - Ay!

My mother was wrong about you, you know?

She said you were an elephant, but you’re not.

Elephants are strong and courageous,

and they defend their mates.

You are a toad. You even look like a toad.

And you look like a dog.

[Grunts] Dove! Dove! Did I say dog?

No, I meant “dove.”

You are my little paloma.

[Sighs]

[Scoffs] What will people say about such a pair?

They’ll have never seen a better match.

Thank you.

For what?

For making a fat, old, crazy Communist a happy man.

[Chuckles]

Ohh.

[People Chattering Outside, Muffled]

[Door Opens]

Sit. Eat.

¡Mi amor!

- Mmm! - Good, huh?

Mmm!

What a wonderful morning!

Lupe’s special recipe.

Well, you’ve mastered it.

[Laughs]

I can’t cook to save my life.

She brought it down for us while you were sleeping.

- Brought it down? - Mmm.

She’s in the apartment upstairs with my kids.

I let her have it till she finds a place in town.

[Sighs]

[Footsteps]

[Knocking]

I’m not just passing through, you know.

I’m here to stay.

Is that what you came to tell me?

I’m here to stay.

So stay out of my damn kitchen.

- You like my mole? - [Sighs]

So-so.

Well, he lives for it.

So if you’re here to stay, you better learn how to make it.

I was so angry. He didn’t come home for three days.

Pass me the cilantro.

So, I took two of his damn Aztec idols—

that he adores, you know—

[Exhales]

and I smashed the pieces of clay in the boiling pot of beef stock...

and told him it was sopa Azteca.

Mentira. Did he eat it?

- He did. - Did he like it?

- He loved it - [Laughs]

Of course, until he found out.

Then he got sick. He got furious. Oof!

[Laughs]

It didn’t make me feel any better.

And it definitely didn’t stop him from cheating.

But what the hell?

[Boy] Mama.

[Metal Clangs]

- [Lupe] Brute! - [Crying]

Get out!

[Lupe] Come on!

Ven aquí. Oh.

Marie.

- Come on. Let’s go. - [Woman] Sí, señora.

Quit it.

Eh?

Time for your nap.

The other night, I was very drunk.

I know. It’s all right.

[Chuckles]

[Sighs]

Ay, niña, Diego has never belonged to anybody.

He belongs only to himself.

And that, of course, is what makes him so desirable.

He’s the best of friends and the worst of husbands.

[Sighs]

Diego will never be anyone’s husband.

Not really.

We’ll see.

You’ll know it’s over when he gets the next commission out of town.

He’ll say he’ll send for you, then he never does.

Señora Rivera?

- Yes? - Yes?

- [Chuckles] - [Chuckles]

[Sighs]

[Clock Chimes]

[Chuckles] What do you think?

The tits lack... gravity.

Oh, come on.

Eat your pozole while it’s still hot.

[Sighs]

It’s not like you to be late for lunch, Diego.

Uh, I was at the ministry...

explaining why a history of the Mexican people...

is an appropriate subject for the Mexican National Palace.

Again?

[Sighs] When I work,

they scream about my politics.

When I don’t work, they scream about the delays.

It’s a farce.

[Sniffs] Ugh.

[Shouting in Spanish]

That model, huh?

Yes.

[Sighs]

It was just a fuck, that’s all.

I’ve given more affection in a handshake.

[Chuckles]

Well, that makes me feel so much better.

Was she good, at least?

- Not very. - Too bad.

She had such a great ass.

When you get home, take a good bath.

We’re going out tonight.

♪♪ [Singing In Spanish]

[People Cheering, Chattering]

More tequila!

[Man] Rivera! Hey!

Yeah, you.

You know what I think of you and your stinking murals?

Why don’t you get the fuck out of here, huh?

- This is a bar for workers, not for government whores. - [Grunts]

[Grunts]

Aaah!

Aaah! Ah, ha, ha!

Ay! Ay! Ay! Ay! Ay!

[People Cheering]

♪♪ [Singing In Spanish]

[Diego] I tell you, that kid was one of Siqueiros’s boys.

Siqueiros is a hero to these fucks, but what’s he actually done? Nothing!

I put socialism on the government walls.

I’ve got the fascists calling me the most dangerous subversive in the country,

and I’m the traitor to the Party?

- Soon we’ll have no one left to drink with. - It’s not funny.

I’m not kidding.

Tina says they’ll kick you out of the Party for the palace mural.

They won’t have to. I quit.

So you’ll quit and keep on working.

That’s all that matters to you anyway.

I’ve been offered a show in New York.

A solo exhibition at the new Modern museum.

It would be a wonderful entrée.

I could get commissions out of it.

I thought you’d be excited.

They don’t care that you’re a Communist pig?

They can’t afford to.

All the greatest painters are Communist pigs.

[Chuckles]

[Sighs]

That’s wonderful, Diego.

When do you leave?

As soon as you decide to come with me.

[Speaking Spanish]

We’ll take gringolandia by storm.

[Ship’s Horn Blows]

[Frida] Dear Cristi.

The invasion of gringolandia has begun.

[Gunfire]

They are never gonna know what hit them.

New York has Diego on fire.

- [Siren Wailing] - [Trolley Bell Clangs]

[Man] What’s your impression of New York, Mr. Rivera?

[Diego] Magnificent.

There is no reason why any artist born in our two continents…

should go to Europe for inspiration.

It is all here— the might, the power, the energy.

The sadness.

The glory and youthfulness of our American lands.

[Frida] I see the majesty that Diego sees,

but all that American comfort is a myth.

While the rich drink their coctelitos, thousands are starving.

- [Coins Clinking] - [Cash Register Dings]

Diego is working almost constantly to prepare for his show,

so I have to find ways to entertain myself.

[Man Screaming]

[Siren Wailing]

[Yawns]

[Roars]

[Screaming]

[Man] Breaking all records, over 50,000 people have lined up…

outside New York’s new Museum of Modern Art…

to see the paintings of Mexico’s greatest artist,

Diego Rivera—

- [Roars] - the most-talked-about man this side of the Rio Grande.

♪♪ [Swing]

[Man] Señor Diego Rivera!

[People Cheering]

[Frida] The gringos are friendly enough,

but the most important thing in gringolandia…

is to have ambition—

to succeed in becoming somebody.

And the somebodies are the only ones that interest them.

I despise this pretension.

Being Ia gran caca interests me not at all.

Of course, Diego loves it.

He’s like a big Mexican piñata with enough candy for everyone.

Everything about this country inspires him.

[Chattering]

Two loose eggs, hot cinnamon bun,

two black coffees— Anything else?

- That’s fine. - Thank you.

[Waitress] Are you guys ready? Hmm?

[Chuckles]

[British accent] Well, I never thought I’d hear myself say this,

but you were better than your husband.

You weren’t upset about that, were you?

- [Sighs] - I mean, he— He said you wouldn’t be.

Oh, he did, did he?

Well, you weren’t the first, and you won’t be the last.

[Bell Dings]

Why do you put up with it?

Look, Diego’s how he is, and that’s how I love him.

I cannot love him for what he’s not.

Anyway,

my sweet Gracie,

I get along just fine.

- Congratulations. - Thank you.

[Man] Over here. Can we get your picture?

[Man #2] Mr. Rivera.

- That’s a lot of wall. - It always is.

[People Chattering]

Gentlemen, please. Please, I have to get back to work.

I’m sorry.

- Thank you. - Thank you very much.

Are you a painter too, Mrs. Rivera?

No. Just killing time.

[Diego] She’s much better than me.

You’ll see.

[Exhales]

What did the doctor say?

He might be able to improve the pain,

but the bones would have to be reset.

Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.

The usual speech. I know it by heart.

[Whispering] I’m pregnant.

Oh.

Can your body take it?

If it can take you, it can take a little Dieguito.

No, no, Frida.

He’s not very optimistic.

This is not—

- [Sighs] - I can’t bear to think of you in pain.

I’m used to pain.

This is not—

I’m not a good example of—

It’s not a good time.

There’s the Rockefeller commission.

Detroit. Chicago. All that traveling.

No, it’s— It’s too much.

[Sighs]

You really want this baby, Frida?

I do.

All right.

- All right? - All right, let’s try and have this baby.

Shh, shh, shh. Listen, listen.

Hmm.

He’s reciting The Communist Manifesto.

[Both Laughing]

[Frida Moaning]

Ay!

She’s lost a lot of blood.

- I want to see her! - She needs to sleep.

You should go home and try and get some rest.

[Diego] Frida!

[Doctor] You should be in bed, Mrs. Rivera.

The baby came out in pieces.

Come with me. Let’s go back to bed.

- It never formed properly. - We can try again, but you must rest.

- Mrs. Rivera— - But he’s my son.

- Mrs. Rivera. - I want to see him!

[Ragged Breathing] What did you do with him?

I want to see my son!

- Mr. Rivera, please— - What did you do with him?

It’s all right, chiquita. I’ll take care of it.

[Sobs]

- ¿Sí, Diego? - I promise. I promise.

[Sniffles]

[Weeping]

[Diego] What the hell is this?

- [Frida] Breakfast. - You trying to kill me?

- I need fuel to work. - Listen, panzon,

if you get any fatter, it’s going to be you in the hospital next time.

[Chuckles] You know, I don’t believe in God,

but I still thank him every day that he kept you safe for me.

Mmm. Really?

I tell him he’s got a lot of explaining to do.

[Laughs]

From now on, I’m going to get Happy Rockefeller...

to bring my breakfast over from 21.

Uh-oh. [Chuckles]

Frida?

[Women Praying In Spanish]

[Weakly] Frida.

You are here.

[Praying In Spanish]

I left him.

[Scoffs] And that was his parting gift?

I should have been there for you.

You’re here now.

[Birds Chirping]

She’ll throw a fit if I let her damn plants die.

[Exhales]

[Grunts]

We fought so much.

Sometimes I—

Sometimes I would regret that I ever married her.

I would think howl hated her.

[Chuckles]

You do enough damage to one another, you begin to think that way.

Well, then she gets sick and... I tend her garden.

[Priest Praying In Spanish]

Amén.

[Continues In Spanish]

[Crowd Clamoring]

You’d seen my work. You knew my politics when you hired me.

- Yes. - Yeah, I showed you the sketches.

- I discussed them with you and your father. - Yes.

So what the hell were you expecting from me— A line of dancing girls?

No, but nor was I expecting a portrait of Lenin.

Now, let’s be honest.

In the sketches that you showed me originally,

it was just some anonymous worker.

He transformed himself into Lenin of his own accord.

No, you transformed him into Lenin...

because they took shots at us in the paper.

Do you really think that my family is influenced by newspaper hacks?

I would’ve defended you.

I will defend you against any attack because the work is thrilling.

As always.

But a portrait of Vladimir Lenin...

will offend many people—

in particular, my father.

You see, you’re putting me in an impossible position.

So I’m asking you to please change this one detail.

It’s against my principles.

Yes, well, you’ve adjusted your principles...

to come to our parties and eat at our table,

so I hope you will reconsider.

- [Crowd Clamoring] - [Man] Rivera, go home!

Go home!

[Door Closes]

You’ve got quite a crowd out there.

Half of them think you’re the devil.

Half of them think you’re a hero.

Tell me honestly what you think.

If you lie down with dogs, you should expect fleas.

No, seriously. This is really frightening me.

- Why? - Because I’m actually wondering if he’s right.

Perhaps I am being foolish,

risking too much.

Diego, you can’t lose.

Forget about artistic integrity.

You’ve done better ones than this, and you’ll do more.

But whatever happens, you have aroused people.

You’ve made them get passionate about their ideals.

There’s not another painter in the world who can say that.

He could walk in here tomorrow and tear it down.

You’d still have won.

Ah, maybe.

He doesn’t have the balls.

[Crowd Clamoring]

Diego!

Señor Rivera.

I must ask you one last time to reconsider your position.

I will not compromise my vision.

[Sighs]

In that case,

this is your fee, paid in full, as agreed.

But your services are no longer required.

It’s my painting!

- On my wall. - It’s the people’s wall!

You bastard!

[Door Slams]

[Jackhammer Clattering]

[Water Splashes]

[Door Opens]

[Door Closes]

Diego, let’s go home.

Frida, we have to fight these bastards.

They tore down the wall, but the painting is up here.

I’ll do it again, and I’ll use his money!

What money? We don’t even have enough to get to Chicago.

We’re not going to Chicago. They canceled the commission.

- It’s time to go home. - What? With my tail between my legs?

We don’t belong here. I am tired of these people,

and I am tired of who you are around them.

See that?

Hmm? You want to go back to that?

Yes! I want to go back to that!

[Monkey Chittering]

[Monkey Chittering]

[Monkey Chittering]

Ahh.

[Whimpers]

I’m working.

I can see that.

I brought you some lunch.

The doctor says you should eat more, for once.

[Groans]

[Urinating]

¡Puta madre!

[Frida] Diego.

- All right, that’s enough. - [Grunts]

Diego!

[Grunts]

- [Shouts] - Diego, stop! [Groans]

[Grunts]

- [Breathing Heavily] - [Whimpering]

[Exhales]

Lord Xolotl, prince of darkness.

You’re the best art critic there is.

Only you see what shit this country has made of me.

Diego,

you need help.

[Sighs]

[Girl] Frida, why do you and Diego have separate houses?

Because we are two different people,

but our love makes us into one.

That’s why we have the bridge.

So, you mean, the bridge is your love?

[Chuckles] Yeah. That’s a good way to put it.

Then why is it such a small bridge?

[All Laugh]

- ♪♪ [Radio: Folk] - He’s not working. He’s sick.

He’s depressed.

He says the people in this country are like mules, they’re so stupid.

And he blames it all on me for making him come back.

That’s ridiculous.

Still, you are lucky to have him.

I feel so desperate every day.

Sometimes I even think of going back.

[Monkey Chitters]

Well, you’re not.

What about a job?

You could help me out organizing Diego’s studio.

- Where do I start? - Don’t touch anything.

Diego.

Don’t worry. [Whispers] He’s a pussycat.

- ♪♪ [Band: Mariachi] - [People Chattering]

[Fireworks Bursting]

[Children Squealing]

[Frida Growls]

- [Giggling] - Shh.

[Growls]

[Gasps]

- Go downstairs and play. - [Gasps]

- Now! Now! - [Woman] Oh, my God.

- [Grunts] - Ay!

[Ragged Breathing]

[Grunts] She’s my goddamn sister!

You’re an animal!

- ¡Hijo de puta! - Frida. Fri—

Get out! Get out!

[Sobbing]

[Sighs]

[Knocking] Frida.

Frida.

I’m a beast. Yes.

[Stammers] I’m an idiot.

But it meant nothing, Frida, Nothing.

Frida, talk to me!

There have been two big accidents in my life, Diego—

the trolley and you.

You are by far the worst.

♪♪ [Guitar Strumming]

♪♪ [Woman Singing In Spanish]

♪♪ [Continues]

[No Audible Dialogue]

♪♪ [Continues]

Get out!

- [Murmuring] - Out! Out! Go!

♪♪ [Continues]

- It’s a limp up three flights of stairs— - ♪♪ [Ends]

I can’t afford any furniture, and it’s cold at night.

But at least I know who’s fucking who in my own house.

[Sighs]

Diego is not giving you any money?

I’d rather be poor.

She was my sister, not some model.

My own sister.

- To hell with him. - To hell with him.

[Bottle Opens]

Find some work. Pay your own bills for a while.

I’ll sell some paintings.

Not enough to cover your bar bill.

[Sighs]

No, don’t get me wrong. I love your paintings.

I’m just not sure you should count on them for a living.

They’re tough, you know.

I mean, look at this.

What the hell is this?

It was in the damn papers.

A man stabbed his wife 22 times,

and when the judge asked him why he did it,

he said, “But it was just a few small nips.”

[Chuckles]

[Laughs]

Oh.

Mmm.

[Guillermo] Who’s that?

The ghost of Frida Kahlo.

Oh. [Chuckles]

I remember her.

How are you?

Lonely.

Only you ghosts come to visit these days.

So,

how is your Diego?

[Chuckles]

I don’t know why I called him that.

He was never mine. Never will be.

But he’s fine. Painting, I guess.

- And you? Are you also painting? - Yes.

And I want you to pose for me.

You don’t even have to leave the house.

- I want to leave the house. - All right then.

We’ll go somewhere different every day.

That sounds good.

You’ve painted everyone else in the family.

Yes.

A long time ago.

[Sighs]

Remind me what I wanted then.

You wanted to be your own person.

- ♪♪ [Singing In Spanish] - [Praying in Spanish]

♪♪ [Singing Continues]

Frida.

[Sighs]

[Frida] She never liked you, you know.

She told me you would only bring me troubles.

There is something I must discuss with you—

a favor I need to ask of you.

[Scoffs]

You’ve got a lot of nerve to come here asking me to do you favors.

No, it’s not for me. It’s Trotsky.

The Norwegians have expelled him, no other country will take him,

and Stalin wants him dead.

I have appealed to President Cardenas myself.

They have granted him asylum here in Mexico.

I want you to welcome him with me.

Let him live in your father’s house.

I know it’s a lot to ask, but this is a difficult transition for them.

And you, Frida,

you bring life and warmth to any place.

Anyway,

Trotsky is a very great man in enormous danger,

and we have the opportunity to help him.

Yes, all right.

[Chattering]

[Frida] It’s all right

Such commotion. I don’t understand.

Such a commotion for a philosopher.

A very great man, Papa.

A true revolutionary.

It’s an important service we’re doing.

If you admire him, why don’t you advise him...

not to get involved in politics?

Politics are ruinous.

[Laughs] Good advice, Papa. I’m sure he’ll agree.

I regret it was not possible for me to meet you at your boat.

Natalia and I, we are deeply indebted to you...

for your generosity in these difficult times.

Your charming wife,

she has made the last leg of our trip such a delight.

We are profoundly honored...

to have you and your wife in our home.

Ay, Diego, they’re starving. Let’s feed them.

[Speaking Russian]

Thank you.

- [Laughter] - No, it’s true!

It’s true! I could not believe it.

These people are idiots.

They scream about Hitler’s aggression—

[Stammers] and then sing Stalin’s praises.

- Aren’t they the same creature? - [Trotsky] Yes, but not exactly.

Of course they are both monsters,

but Hitler at least is a madman with a vision.

Vision? He’s insane!

Of course he is insane, but he has the ability to mobilize the people’s minds,

whereas Stalin, he’s— he is so dull.

[Laughter]

There is the brutality,

but when you get right down to it,

Stalin is nothing but a bureaucrat,

and that is what is smothering our revolution.

They are the same,

but only in that the insanity of power has overruled them.

And between them,

they will consume the continent.

- Madness. - Yes, but a challenge.

Look at us—

Mexican, Russian, French—

in this wonderful new planet Rivera.

[Laughter]

I tell you this, my friends.

In the experience of my lifetime,

the failure and the pain...

have certainly outstripped the triumphs.

But this has not only not destroyed my faith—

my faith in reason, in truth, in human solidarity—

but, on the contrary, it has made it indestructible.

I see the hope of the world in you,

and, from my heart, I thank you.

Na zdorov’ya!

[Together] Na zdorov’ya! ¡Salud!

[Diego] Imagine living your life like that—

with a price on your head— and staying so calm.

Yes.

Good night, Diego.

[Monkey Chitters]

Whoo. [Chuckles]

[Frida] Oh, stop it, Andre.

- I hate flattery. - I don’t care.

It is wonderful, wonderful work.

- You’ve seen all these, I take it? - Of course. I tell her all the time.

Julian Levy took a couple of her paintings to New York and sold both of them,

and she sold another four to that actor,

the gangster.

- Edward G. Robinson. - Yeah, for $200 apiece.

He was robbed.

We haven’t been able to fool anyone else.

My little paintings can’t mean anything to anyone but me.

[Man] Stop!

Get down!

They put a bag by the door! Get back!

- Let’s get inside. - Get back!

- Inside, quickly. - [Man] There is no time.

- Cover him! Hurry! - Inside. Everybody inside.

- Take him inside! - [Diego] Frida!

- Frida, what are you doing? - [Speaking Spanish]

I give you five seconds to get out of here.

- One! Two! - [Gunshot]

- [Both Screaming] - [Dogs Barking]

It’s all right. It’s all right.

Sorry about that.

- It was my mother’s sisters. - What do you mean?

They were leaving icons and sprinkling holy water.

They think this house is cursed, and that you are the Antichrist.

- [Laughter] - [Speaks Russian]

♪♪ [Man Singing In Spanish]

[Chattering]

I want you to think about it seriously.

You could be part of the Mexican exhibition in Paris.

What I really want is a show in my own country.

Which they will give you once you become famous somewhere else.

Your paintings should be seen.

So, who is coming up with me?

It’s harder than you think.

Ah, everything is harder than we think.

- I’ll go. - Are you sure?

If an old man can do it, why not a cripple?

- [Laughs] - [Speaks Russian]

[Speaks Russian]

No, no, no, no. It’s okay.

- I don’t think assassins are awaiting at the top. - I’ll race you.

[Both Grunting, Panting]

[Chuckles]

[Grunts]

Ooh!

[Exhales]

Frida, how were you hurt?

I couldn’t even tell you anymore.

I’ve been cut into, re-broke, and reset so many times...

I’m like a jigsaw puzzle.

And all the operations have done more damage than the accident, for all I know.

Everything hurts.

But the leg— The leg is the worst.

[Groans]

But I’m all right.

At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.

That’s what I loved about your paintings—

that they carry that message.

You said that nobody would care about them,

but I think you are wrong...

because your paintings express what everyone feels—

that they are alone in pain.

Maybe.

Leon,

tell me about your children.

My children.

We knew the girls had been murdered, and one of the boys.

We thought the other was still alive in the prison,

but that letter came.

He was executed too. They are all gone.

I have condemned my family,

as I am condemned.

You mustn’t say that.

But it’s true.

Stalin has more power than any tsar.

I’m alone with few friends and no resources...

against the world’s biggest killing machine.

So what can I do but keep on working, living?

You cannot imagine what a joy it is for me to be here,

to see all this.

It is the first time I’ve felt like a real person in years.

[Engine Shuts Off]

[Chatters]

[Moaning]

In his book State and Revolution,

Lenin purged from the genuine teaching of Karl Marx...

all the spurious ingredients...

introduced by the social democracy.

John, I am picking it up from “social democracy.”

Frida.

This is the book I mentioned. Tell me what you think.

Thank you.

[Frida] I’ll be back in an hour.

[Panting]

[Leon And Natalia Shouting In Russian]

- [Natalia Sobbing] - [Door Slams]

[Sighs]

[Sobbing Continues]

No, no, no, no, no. It is better this way.

We will stop disrupting your lives.

We’re not going far, just around the corner.

I wish you would reconsider,

if only for security.

We will be more than safe. Trust me.

Do svidaniya.

Many thanks, my friend.

We’ll see you soon.

Natalia.

It makes no sense. It was for his own well-being.

He’s not thinking of his well-being.

He’s thinking of hers.

What are you talking about?

I’m talking about somebody willing to sacrifice a little of their own pleasure...

rather than go on hurting the woman who loves him.

Have you lost your mind?

Go to hell, Diego.

You know what the consequences of this could be?

He’s not scared. Why should you be?

Oh, dear, God, Frida, of all people. Why?

Because we wanted to.

You’ve broken my heart, Frida.

It hurts, doesn’t it?

But why?

It was just a fuck, like a handshake.

No. I told you who I was when you married me.

Yes, you did, and I married you anyway,

and you promised to be loyal.

You’ve been my comrade,

my fellow artist,

my best friend.

- But you’ve never been my husband. - Fridocha—

[Bell Tolling]

[Bells Chiming]

♪♪ [Mid-tempo Jazz]

- [Whistle Blowing] - [Horn Honks]

♪♪ [Woman Singing In French]

[Thinking] Dear Diego.

How are you, panzon?

Why didn’t you tell me Paris was such a nightmare?

♪♪ [Continues]

The French are the most pretentious bores in the world.

I’d rather sit on the floor of a market in Toluca selling tortillas…

than have to listen to the prattling of the artistic bitches of Paris.

♪♪ [Continues]

[Frida Continues] There really hasn’t been as much interest in the exhibition as Breton promised.

[Chattering]

Mexican artists are nothing but an exotic curiosity here.

♪♪ [Song Ends]

All in all, it’s been lonely, and I crave news from home.

Diego, this brief is a lie.

Paris has been good to me,

but without you, it means nothing.

All the rage of our 12 years together passes through me,

and I’m left knowing that I love you more than my own skin.

And though you may not love me as much, you do love me a little, don’t you?

If this is not true, I’ll always be hopeful that it could be.

I adore you.

Frida.

[Sighs]

[Machine Gunfire]

[Running Footsteps]

- [Gunshots] - [Shouting]

[Woman Screams]

There are rumors going around that I wanted Trotsky killed.

We fought lately, it’s true, but—

They may try to arrest me again.

- Talk to the president. - No.

No, I’m going to California.

- California? - Yes.

And, Frida,

I want us to divorce.

[Sighs]

For who?

That American actress?

- Jesus, Diego. - No, Frida. No.

It will be better this way. We have both done better as friends.

- I haven’t. - You have.

You’re doing very well on your own.

- I’m proud of you. You don’t need— - Enough.

If you want to go, just go.

♪♪ [Guitar: Arpeggios]

♪♪ [Man Singing In Spanish]

♪♪ [Continues]

♪♪ [Continues]

♪♪ [Continues]

♪♪ [Continues]

♪♪ [Continues]

♪♪ [Ends]

[Pounding]

[Man] Listen to me.

I don’t particularly care for Mr. Trotsky,

but we can’t go around having political refugees...

murdered in our country.

Now can we?

Once more, where is your husband?

I don’t have a husband.

Frida?

Oh, my God.

Cristi.

I’m so sorry.

[Chuckles]

Oh.

[Sobs]

It was not your fault.

It was mine.

I should have never put you in the room with him.

[Frida] What did you do to get me out of here?

Diego. He went crazy when he heard.

He called President Cardenas immediately.

[Sighs] Ay.

Diego.

Not much more.

[Sighs]

How long has your foot been like this?

Who knows? Let’s take one disaster at a time.

Just patch me up so I can paint, please.

These are gangrened. They’ll have to come off.

You’re lucky it hasn’t spread to your leg.

You’ve lost weight.

Ah.

You’ve lost your toes.

[Chuckles]

Is that why you’re here? To offer your condolences?

I’m here to see how you are.

How do you feel?

Tired of answering that question. Otherwise, like shit.

How are you?

I’m—

I’m here to... ask you to marry me.

I don’t need rescuing, Diego.

I do.

[Scoffs]

I’ve lost the toes of one foot.

My back is useless. I have an infection of the kidneys.

I smoke. I drink. I curse.

I can’t have children.

I have no money and a stack of hospital bills. Should I keep going?

That’s practically a letter of recommendation.

Frida.

Frida.

I miss... us.

[Sighs]

They say you should never believe a limping dog...

or the tears of a woman.

They’re wrong.

[Chuckles]

♪♪ [Folk Ensemble]

♪♪ [Singing In Spanish]

[Laughing]

♪♪ [Continues]

[No Audible Dialogue]

♪♪ [Continues]

[Children Chattering, Laughing]

♪♪ [Ends]

Cristina!

[Sobbing]

Come on! [Groans]

[Panting]

[Moans]

[Crickets Chirping]

“Feet, what do I need you for if I have wings to fly?"

[Frida] I want you to burn thisJudas of a body.

I don’t want to be buried.

I’ve spent enough time lying down.

Burn it.

Frida.

[Exhales] No, I don’t think I’m Frida anymore.

I think all the Frida in me has disappeared.

Look at what’s left.

Why do you stay?

You stupid girl.

[Birds Chirping]

[Diego] Are you crazy? I forbid it!

[Frida] Stop it, Diego! You can’t force me to stay!

- Oh, yes, I can! - Give it to me!

No, Frida.

No, we’ve been through all this before!

I’m going, damn it. Give me back my fucking leg!

- Doctor, please help me. - What’s going on here?

I told her she had to stay in bed. She demanded we call you.

- I’m going to my exhibition. - Frida—

I’ve waited for a show in my own country my whole life.

I’m not going to miss it. [Coughs]

There.

If the bronchitis gets worse, it will turn into pneumonia.

Frida, under no circumstances are you to leave this bed.

I’ll bring you back all the gossip, I promise.

[Sighs]

Cristina!

[Diego] There was this skinny kid with these eyebrows shouting up at me,

“Diego, I want to show you my paintings!”

But, of course, she made me come down to look at them.

[Laughter]

Huh? I did, and I’ve never stopped looking.

But I want to speak about Frida not as her husband,

but as an artist.

I admire her.

Her work is acid and tender...

hard as steel,

and fine as a butterfly’s wing.

Lovable as a smile,

cruel as...

the bitterness of life.

[Sighs] I don’t believe...

that ever before has a woman...

put such agonized poetry on canvas.

[Frida] Shut up, panzon.

Who died?

[Murmuring, Applauding]

[Sighs] Where is the music?

♪♪ [Mid-Tempo Mariachi]

You see, Doctorcito, I followed your orders.

I didn’t leave my bed.

Frida.

Ay, Doctor, if you let me have this tequila,

I promise not to drink at my funeral.

- It’s a deal. - To Frida!

[Together] To Frida!

♪♪ [Continues]

♪♪ [Singing In Spanish]

♪♪ [Continues]

♪♪ [Fades, Ends]

[Door Opens]

Are you all right?

Lie down with me.

Twenty-five years together, mi Dieguito.

Frida.

[Chuckles]

Happy silver.

It’s not for two more weeks.

Seventeen days.

[Firecrackers Exploding]

♪♪ [Guitar: Up-tempo Strumming]

[Man] ♪ Burn ♪

♪ This house ♪

♪ Burn ♪

♪ It blue ♪

♪ Heart ♪

♪ Running on empty ♪

♪ So lost ♪

♪ Without you ♪

♪ But the night sky blooms with fire ♪

♪ And the burning bed floats higher ♪

♪ And she’s free to fly ♪

♪ Woman so weary, spread your unbroken wings ♪

♪ Fly free as the swallow swings ♪

♪ Come to the fireworks ♪

♪ See the dark lady smile ♪

♪ She burns ♪

♪ And the night sky blooms with fire ♪

♪ And the burning bed floats higher ♪

♪ And she’s free to fly ♪

♪ Burn this night ♪

♪ Black and blue ♪

♪ So cold in the morning ♪

♪ So cold without you ♪

♪ And the night sky blooms with fire ♪

♪ And the burning bed floats higher ♪

♪ And she’s free to fly ♪

♪ I love the dark days painted in dark gray hues ♪

♪ They fade with the dream of you ♪

♪ Wrapped in red velvet, dancing the night away ♪

♪ Fly, bird ♪

♪ Midnight blue ♪

♪ Spread ♪

♪ Those wings ♪

♪ Fly free ♪

♪ With the swallows ♪

♪ Fly one ♪

♪ With the wind ♪

♪♪ [Woman Singing In Spanish]

- [Man] ♪ And the night sky blooms with fire ♪ - ♪♪ [Woman Singing In Spanish]

♪ And the burning bed floats higher ♪

♪ And she’s free to fly ♪

♪ Just as far in the sky ♪

♪ Painting heaven and hell ♪

♪ Must fly ♪

♪ Fly ♪

♪ Burn ♪

♪ This house ♪

♪ Burn ♪

♪ It blue ♪

♪ Heart running ♪

♪ On empty ♪

♪ So lost ♪

♪ Without ♪

♪ You ♪♪