Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988)

Synopsis of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

Though the kinky characters and aberrant social behavior common to the works of Spanish director Pedro Almodovar are very evident in his Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, the film is at heart a door-slamming farce in the grand tradition. The tiny apartment of pregnant actress Carmen Maura is the "Grand Central Station" setpiece for this dizzying tale. Distraught over her recent breakup with her lover, Carmen prepares to overdose on sleeping pills, which she blends into a gazpacho so they'll go down easier. She is diverted from her suicide by her best friend Maria Barranco, a fugitive from justice (her boy friend is a Shi'Ite terrorist) who needs a place to stay. Later, when Carmen's apartment is empty, her ex-lover's grown son (Antonio Banderas) comes to the apartment with his fiance (Rossy de Palma) in answer to Carmen's "room to let" newspaper ad. The wife inadvertently ingests Carmen's "pill sauce," and as she blissfully snoozes, the husband inaugurates an affair with Carmen's friend Barranco. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:

89 mins

Director(s):

Pedro Almodóvar

Writer(s):

Pedro Almodóvar

Producer(s):

Pedro Almodóvar

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Not For Children, Strong Sexual Content, Profanity, Adult Situations)

Categories:

Comedy

• 1988 - European Film Academy - Best Actress
• 1988 - European Film Academy - Best "Young" European Film
• 1988 - National Board of Review - Best Foreign Film
• 1988 - Venice International Film Festival - Osella for Best Story

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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