Dir: Pedro Almodovar, 1988
First let me say I'd waited years (no exaggeration) to see this movie. First, it was never in stock at my local Blockbuster. Then, Netflix didn't have a release date on it for the longest time. Finally, a few days ago, success! And, hey, it was worth the wait.
Pepa (Carmen Maura) has just been dumped by her lover, Ivan (Fernando Guillen) and wants to know why. Distraught and discombobulated, she tries to call him, leaves a note where she thinks he might be and even makes her answering machine greeting a direct appeal in case he calls her. All the while, her friend Candela (Maria Barranco) fears arrest because her ex is a terrorist the cops have just nabbed and Ivan's unhinged, pistol-happy ex-wife Lucia (Julieta Serrano) is convinced Ivan's left her for Pepa and out for blood.
This is a fun farcical film, with a little melodrama thrown in. The actors are all present in their kooky characters. It's also beautiful and extravagant, a party for the eyes. The costumes, especially, are great — very late 80s, sharp and colorful. Of course there is a ton of red in this movie, just like in Almodovar's other films. Other highlights include a young and almost lustworthy Antonio Banderas, as Carlos, the apple that didn't fall far from Ivan's womanizing tree.
Like a good gazpacho, Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios is the perfect companion for a hot summer night. And, unlike Pepa's spiked batch, it won't put you to sleep. Rent it, enjoy it!
No comments:
Post a Comment