Critics at Large Live: Julio Torres’s Dreamy Surrealism
Release Date: October 31, 2024

Hosted by The New Yorker’s Alexandra Schwartz, Naomi Fry, and Vincent Cunningham, this special live episode of Critics at Large features an in-depth conversation with the multi-talented Julio Torres. Torres, known for his unique blend of surrealism and poignant social commentary, delves into his creative process, personal experiences as an immigrant, and evolving perspectives on comedy.

1. Introduction to Julio Torres

The episode kicks off with the hosts expressing their excitement about welcoming Julio Torres, highlighting his diverse roles as a director, writer, and comedian. They emphasize Torres’s singular comedic style and his ability to infuse sharp social critiques into his surreal narratives.

Notable Quote:
Alex Schwartz (00:02): “Today we've got something a little different for you.”

2. Julio Torres's Career and Accomplishments

Julio Torres is introduced with a comprehensive overview of his achievements:

• Feature Directorial Debut: Problemista for A24
• Sketch Comedy: Phantasmas, premiered in June
• Television: Co-created the HBO Peabody Award-winning series Los Espookis
• Writing: Emmy-nominated writer for Saturday Night Live
• Author: Picture book I Want to Be a Vase inspired by his TV special My Favorite Shapes

Notable Quote:
Julio Torres (01:03): “Phantasmas fans, yes.”

3. Personal Immigration Experiences and Problemista

Torres shares his personal journey from El Salvador to the United States in 2009, initially on a student visa. He discusses the cultural adjustments and bureaucratic challenges he faced, which directly influenced the creation of Problemista. The film's protagonist, Alejandro, mirrors Torres’s own struggles with the U.S. immigration system.

Notable Quote:
Julio Torres (08:41): “I kept feeling like a little robot alien... like collecting data.”

4. Creating Problemista – From Personal to Abstract

Torres explains his approach to transforming his personal immigration experiences into an abstract narrative. He consciously avoids creating a direct self-portrait, opting instead for a storyline that, while deeply personal, allows for artistic freedom and broader commentary.

Notable Quote:
Julio Torres (12:09): “I did not like the idea of having a movie where I play a version of myself... it was so deeply boring.”

5. Visual Conceits: Surrealism and Metaphor

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the visual metaphors in Torres’s work. In Problemista, he utilizes a maze-like structure to represent the convoluted immigration system, drawing inspiration from classic board games like Chutes and Ladders. This surreal setting underscores the protagonist’s struggle against an impersonal bureaucracy.

Notable Quote:
Julio Torres (16:07): “Life today is so riddled with these man-made labyrinths that are life or death... something very lonely about it.”

6. Balancing Surreal Elements with Character Development

Torres discusses the delicate balance between maintaining surreal, abstract elements and developing authentic character relationships. He emphasizes that the fantastical aspects of his work serve to highlight the underlying humanity and emotional depth of his characters.

Notable Quote:
Julio Torres (22:44): “These flourishes are there in service of the humanity in the film.”

7. Influences and Media Diet

Delving into his influences, Torres reflects on his eclectic media consumption growing up in El Salvador. He highlights the impact of Brazilian telenovelas and Disney animations, particularly The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which resonate with his appreciation for melodramatic and gothic storytelling.

Notable Quote:
Julio Torres (30:52): “Brazilian soap operas have an element of magical realism... a beautiful metaphor for love.”

8. Evolution of Comedy and the Rise of Kindness

Torres articulates his concerns about the shift towards “kind comedy” in the post-Trump era. He critiques how kindness has been commodified and used as a marketing tool, leading to a more infantilized form of humor that he finds insincere and limiting for authentic comedic expression.

Notable Quote:
Julio Torres (42:13): “Kindness became commodified... it's just a marketing tool that I get a little allergic to.”

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the conversation wraps up, Torres reiterates his commitment to infusing his work with both surrealism and critical social commentary. He emphasizes the importance of abstraction in making his work universally relatable while maintaining its personal significance.

Notable Quote:
Julio Torres (38:30): “Abstraction is a way of inviting other people into that feeling.”

Key Takeaways:

• Julio Torres uses surrealism and abstract narratives to explore and critique real-world issues, particularly the immigration system.
• His personal experiences as an immigrant deeply inform his creative work, enabling him to convey complex emotions and societal critiques through metaphorical storytelling.
• Torres is critical of the current trend towards “kind comedy,” advocating for more authentic and incisive humor that challenges audiences.
• His diverse media influences, ranging from Brazilian telenovelas to classic Disney animations, shape his unique storytelling style.

Notable Quotes Summary:

• Julio Torres (08:41): Felt like a “little robot alien” navigating American social norms.
• Julio Torres (12:09): Avoided direct self-portrayal to maintain artistic intrigue.
• Julio Torres (16:07): Describes life’s bureaucratic challenges as “man-made labyrinths.”
• Julio Torres (22:44): Surreal elements “are in service of the humanity” in his films.
• Julio Torres (42:13): Critiques the commodification of kindness in modern comedy.

This episode offers a profound exploration of how Julio Torres intertwines personal narrative with surreal artistry to address pressing social issues, all while navigating the evolving landscape of contemporary comedy.