Almodóvar’s wild black comedy about women scorned, which launched the director to international acclaim. Carmen Maura stars as distraught television actress Pepa Marcos, who is considering suicide after her long-time lover Iván leaves her without warning. When she lets out her flat, the new tenants turn out to be Iván's son Carlos and his fiancée Maris, which further complicates matters. Meanwhile, Pepa's friend Candela is desperate to contact her after learning that her former lover is wanted by the police on terrorism charges.

Boasting a remarkable ensemble of Spanish acting talent, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown was a breakthrough for Almodóvar – earning him his first Best Foreign Language Film Oscar nomination.

Film Studies: Looking back at Pedro Almodóvar, Pedro Almodóvar looking back

Four film screenings and four lectures exploring the development and influences of the oeuvre of Spain’s best-known film director: Pedro Almodóvar. This programme will be delivered by Dr Ana María Sánchez-Arce (Associate Professor, Sheffield Hallam University).

View the full Film Studies course here

Director Pedro Almodóvar
Year 1988
Duration 1h 25m
Language Spanish with English subtitles
Cast Carmen Maura, Antonio Banderas, Julieta Serrano