Women on the Verge: Classic Almodovar

The films of Pedro Almodovar tend toward either drama or camp — though even the dramatic ones possess a kiss of campiness, just as the campy ones maintain a good amount of plot and substance.

The Criterion Collection’s new release of 1988’s Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown celebrates the best and most pleasing example of his high camp. Almodovar employs just enough intrigue to keep audiences riveted through this absurd, bawdy, playful and dangerous tale of a woman’s quirky quest to learn why her lover has left her — in the process entangling the lives several others (including a young Antonio Banderas). THE WORD: If you’re new to Almodovar, this is a great place to start; if you love him, it’s like coming home again. COMING TO: Home Video