World View: Cultures Laughing
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
The World View Film series, hosted by Global & Cultural Affairs in ARTS Missoula, is back at the Roxy Theater this fall, featuring four comedies from around the world: "Cultures Laughing." All screenings are free.
Melding melodrama with screwball farce, this Academy Award–nominated black comedy was Pedro Almodóvar’s international breakthrough and secured his place at the vanguard of modern Spanish cinema. Continuing the auteur’s exploration of the female psyche, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown tells the story of Pepa—played by the director’s frequent collaborator Carmen Maura—who resolves to kill herself with a batch of sleeping-pill-laced gazpacho after her lover leaves her. Fortunately, she is interrupted by a deliciously chaotic series of events. The filmmaker channeled Hollywood inspiration into his own unique vision, arriving at the irreverent humor and vibrant visual sense that define his work today. With an exceptional ensemble cast that also includes Antonio Banderas and Rossy de Palma, this film shows an artist in total control of his craft.
Melding melodrama with screwball farce, this Academy Award–nominated black comedy was Pedro Almodóvar’s international breakthrough and secured his place at the vanguard of modern Spanish cinema. Continuing the auteur’s exploration of the female psyche, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown tells the story of Pepa—played by the director’s frequent collaborator Carmen Maura—who resolves to kill herself with a batch of sleeping-pill-laced gazpacho after her lover leaves her. Fortunately, she is interrupted by a deliciously chaotic series of events. The filmmaker channeled Hollywood inspiration into his own unique vision, arriving at the irreverent humor and vibrant visual sense that define his work today. With an exceptional ensemble cast that also includes Antonio Banderas and Rossy de Palma, this film shows an artist in total control of his craft.
Cast: Carmen Maura, Fernando Guillen, Antonio Banderas, Julieta Serrano
Director: Pedro Almodovar
Written by: Pedro Almodovar
Rated: R
Duration: 89 min
Released: 1988
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: Spanish
Subtitles: Subtitled
Country: Spain
World View: Cultures Laughing
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
