Kahlo or scriptwriter?
July 10, 2010 10:06 AM Subscribe
Did Frida Kahlo actually say this, or is it just a line from the movie?
Considering using it in our wedding program, but uncertain if the attribution is correct:
"I don't believe in marriage. 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. 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. 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."
Considering using it in our wedding program, but uncertain if the attribution is correct:
"I don't believe in marriage. 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. 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. 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."
I'd have to actually go and rewatch the movie, but wasn't that line actually spoken by Ashley Judd (in her role as the photographer Tina Modatti)? I seem to remember it as part of her (Judd/Modatti's) toast to Diego and Frida at their wedding reception/party.
posted by kaybdc at 11:39 AM on July 10, 2010
posted by kaybdc at 11:39 AM on July 10, 2010
A warning. That line was said by Ashley Judd (playing Toni Modotti), not the Kahlo character at all.
I think citing the movie would be fine, but don't give the actor the credit, please. I doubt Judd wrote that or thought of that. If you don't want to credit the screenwriter, just mention the movie.
posted by Some1 at 11:49 AM on July 10, 2010 [2 favorites]
I think citing the movie would be fine, but don't give the actor the credit, please. I doubt Judd wrote that or thought of that. If you don't want to credit the screenwriter, just mention the movie.
posted by Some1 at 11:49 AM on July 10, 2010 [2 favorites]
Best answer: OK, I was curious and looked it up and found this NYT article from 2001, which describes the filming of that very scene in the movie that I was thinking of, including the full quote from your original question. I tend to think that this was scriptwriting as I doubt that anyone wrote down Modatti's toast for prosperity. It may well reflect something that she'd said or written in her life, but a word for word quote? Probably not. I have a bio of Modatti, which I can't find, but if I do, I'd be happy to check it to see if I can find out anything more.
posted by kaybdc at 11:56 AM on July 10, 2010
posted by kaybdc at 11:56 AM on July 10, 2010
Tina Modotti is the photographer's actual name, fyi.
posted by obliquicity at 3:03 PM on July 10, 2010
posted by obliquicity at 3:03 PM on July 10, 2010
Thanks. I studied Mexican Art years ago and Tina Modotti played a major role in my MA thesis, but it was a long time ago and I have to admit, names and spelling (and correct spelling of names) not my strong suit. It did look funny to me, but I couldn't figure out why or be bothered to look it up, which was lazy of me.
posted by kaybdc at 5:16 PM on July 10, 2010
posted by kaybdc at 5:16 PM on July 10, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
"[Your Quote]"
-Salma Hayak as Frida Kahlo in Frida
posted by TooFewShoes at 10:45 AM on July 10, 2010