Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

Pedro Almodóvar's 1988 black comedy-melodrama "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" established him as one of the most exciting European film-making talents. The film is a hilarious study of sexual mores, with a central character, Pepa (Carmen Maura), as warm and richly drawn as any modern film heroine. Peter William Evans provides a formidable analysis of Almodóvars insights into gender, sexuality, and identity, discussing the film in the context of the history of Spain and the social revolution that occurred after the death of Franco. Evans also reflects on the film in the light of Almodóvars subsequent films and the impact of Carmen Maura's performance as Pepa on the representation of women in Spanish cinema.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 06 May 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Pedro Almodóvar's 1988 black comedy-melodrama Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown solidified his directorial status as one of the most exciting talents in European filmmaking. This often hilarious exploration of sexual mores features a central character, Pepa (Carmen Maura), as warm and richly drawn as any modern film heroine. Through her struggles in a troubled relationship, Pepa emerges as a strong and self-reliant individual, at the center of a network of lovers, friends, and family who represent a vibrant cross-section of Spanish society.

Peter William Evans offers a compelling analysis of Almodóvar's insights into gender, sexuality, and identity. Evans views Women on the Verge as addressing the often tyrannical sway of sexual desire, as well as the anxieties surrounding relationships and families. However, he also highlights the film's potential for personal liberation. He contextualizes the film within the history of Spain and the social revolution that followed the death of Franco. In his foreword to this new edition, Evans reflects on Women on the Verge in the context of Almodóvar's subsequent films and the impact of Carmen Maura's performance as Pepa on the representation of women in Spanish cinema.

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown is a masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences, offering a profound exploration of human emotions and societal dynamics. Almodóvar's visionary filmmaking and Carmen Maura's exceptional performance make it a timeless classic that continues to inspire and challenge viewers.

Weight: 132g
Dimension: 135 x 188 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839022524
Edition number: 2 ed