"Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" is a 1988 Spanish black comedy film written and directed by Pedro Almodóvar. It stars Carmen Maura and Antonio Banderas and tells the story of Pepa, a television actress who encounters various eccentric characters after her lover abruptly leaves her. The film has been praised for its unique style, with most of the movie set inside Pepa's apartment, which is portrayed as a then-futuristic-looking retro set with sitcom-like camp and artificial painted backgrounds.
The plot of the film revolves around Pepa's attempts to cope with her lover's departure, including her decision to kill herself with a batch of sleeping pill-laced gazpacho. However, her plans are interrupted by a series of chaotic events. The film has been described as a bizarre black comedy that sometimes wanders into screwball territory, and it has been lauded for its feminist themes and exploration of the female psyche.
In addition to its critical success, "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" has also been adapted into a musical, with a production opening on Broadway in 2010. A television series adaptation is also in the works at Apple, with Gina Rodriguez set to star and executive produce.
Trailer
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Cast
The main cast of the 1988 film Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown includes:
- Carmen Maura as Pepa
- Antonio Banderas as Carlos
- Julieta Serrano as Lucía
- Rossy de Palma as Marisa
- María Barranco as Candela.
The film also features a supporting cast, including:
- Fernando Guillén as Iván
- Chus Lampreave as Portera
- Guillermo Montesinos as Taxista
- Kiti Manver as Paulina Morales
- Loles León as Secretaria
- Ángel de Andrés López as Policía
- José Antonio Navarro as Policía
- Ana Leza as Ana
- Agustín Almodóvar as Agustín
- Bibiana Fernández as Bibi.
Director: Pedro Almodóvar
Writer: Pedro Almodóva
Box Office Gross: $7,298,487
Distributor: Orion Classics
Release date: November 11, 1988
