Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown

Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown (1980)

a film by Pedro Almodovar

Visually this film manages to be shocking and vibrant even with the faces of his cast. I wonder how Almodovar casted his actresses, which ultimately carry the load of this tangy comedy full of creative gags, vibrant rhythm and a exaltation of the kitsch aesthetics of the 80s.

Pepa, just dumped by her lover, tries desperately to talk to him while her life becomes the cross roads of terrorist plots, suicide attempts, a police investigation, burning bed, accidental overdose of tranquilizers and a taxi cab that is always there when need. Crazy as it sounds, Almodovar manages to put together all this elements in this funny and extravagant plot.

This movie contains some really memorable moments, some full of sadness and some others zany and insane, but ultimately brilliant. Scenes like those of the Mambo Taxi or Pepa's shock hearing the voice of her lover in a dubbed movie make this movie a must for its freshness and creativity. It features gags never seen before, women portrait as never before, and above all, the work of an early Almodovar, provocative, funny and unleashed.