Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown [Mujeres al Borde de un Ataque de Nervios] **** (1988, Carmen Maura, Antonio Banderas, María Barranco, Rossy de Palma, Julieta Serrano) – Classic Movie Review 3577

This outrageous, stylised, dazzling 1988 Spanish screwball comedy deservedly made the international reputation of Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar, turning him from enfant terrible into one of cinema’s biggest names. In a breakout crossover hit, it was released by Orion and Rank in the UK.

Almodóvar also wrote the clever screenplay about 48 hours in the life of some of Madrid’s more eccentric ladies – like an actress trying to contact her recently departed lover (Fernando Guillen).

Julieta Serrano as Lucía.

Who wants depth when a film is this funny? It is also a brilliantly trendy style object thanks to the artificial, ultra-bright colours and designs in José Luis Alcaine’s cinematography and Bernando Bonezzi’s production designs, which are reflected in the equally colourful performances from Carmen Maura and Antonio Banderas, heading the Almodóvar repertory company of players, who know exactly just how far to push Almodóvar’s script.

Oscar nominated as best foreign film, it proved a huge art-house and upscale general cinema crowd pleaser.

Its success had the happy side effect of prompting the worldwide release of his neglected earlier movies.

Also in the cast are María Barranco, Rossy de Palma, Julieta Serrano as Lucía, Guillermo Montesinos, Chus Lampreave, Loles León, Ángel de Andrés López, Eduardo Calvo, Fernando Guillén and Kiti Manver.

© Derek Winnert 2016 Classic Movie Review 3577

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