Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

Pedro Almodóvar’s international breakthrough Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown cemented his position as an essential voice on the international cinema scene. With barbiturate-spiked gazpacho, mambo taxi cabs, and answering machine melodrama, this fast-paced dark comedy was described by Pauline Kael as “one of the jauntiest of all war-of-the-sexes comedies.”

The film starts off simple: Iván and Pepa were romantically entangled voice actors dubbing Johnny Guitar, but Iván has just left Pepa. He leaves a message on her answering machine; she has slept in and is late for work. Thus begins this supremely stylish romp of chaotic miscommunications, extraordinary outfits, and super-saturated colors that are simply no longer represented on multiplex screens today. Made with total reverence for women and their inner worlds, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown is a must-watch on the big screen. With a magnetic ensemble cast including Carmen Maura, Antonio Banderas, Rossy de Palma, María Barranco, and Fernando Guillén. In Spanish with English subtitles. (88 mins., DCP)

Join us in Heirloom Café before the screening for a guided tasting experience with series sponsor Antiques on High beginning at 6 PM. Sample five selections from Antiques’ acclaimed lineup, including refreshing Shake Ups, creative Two Cats Cocktails, and the bartender’s favorite beer. Along the way, enjoy insights and tasting notes from one of Antiques’ expert bartenders while mixing and mingling with fellow film lovers. This prescreening event is the perfect way to savor the flavors of summer before the movie begins. Tickets for the tasting must be purchased in advance and include admission to the film.

See the entire A Summer Abroad: International Film Classics lineup.

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Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.