Good One: A Podcast About Jokes – Episode Summary

Episode: Julio Torres’s Favorite Colors
Release Date: February 11, 2025
Host: Vulture (Jesse David Fox)
Guest: Julio Torres

Introduction
Timestamp: 00:40 – 01:35

Jesse David Fox welcomes listeners to "Good One: A Podcast About Jokes," introducing this episode featuring the acclaimed comedian and filmmaker Julio Torres. This episode is derived from a panel at Vulture Festival 2024, moderated by Jason P. Frank. Julio Torres delves into his intricate relationship with color, exploring its significance in his various creative endeavors, including his show "Los Espookis," "Phantasmas," and his film "Problemista."

Julio’s Early Relationship with Color
Timestamp: 02:08 – 06:01

Julio reminisces about his first vivid memories of color, highlighting a purple T-shirt adorned with a silver train painted by his mother and a Barbie doll with a translucent red dress he modified. These early experiences underscore his appreciation for deliberate and non-passive color choices. Julio explains, “They were very deliberate. They were very non-passive colors” ([04:40]). These colors not only made a lasting impression but also influenced his creative vision, particularly in his film "Problemista," where his mother’s architectural and design prowess inspired his meticulous approach to visual storytelling.

Stand-Up Career and Aesthetic Choices
Timestamp: 09:12 – 12:46

Transitioning to his stand-up beginnings in New York, Julio discusses how he initially dressed in all black during his open mic days. He rationalized this choice by telling friends, “I haven’t earned color yet. If I start wearing color, I’ll just be coasting” ([10:30]). This monochromatic wardrobe was a reflection of his internal state—seeking solid ground amidst bureaucratic challenges as he navigated life in the U.S. His hair, naturally black, remained unaltered until later when he adopted a white palette upon securing a work visa, symbolizing his transition from absorption to reflection.

SNL Sketch and Color Intentionality
Timestamp: 13:22 – 19:02

Julio shares insights into his tenure at "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), where he focused on the visual aspects of his sketches. Collaborating closely with director Dave McCary, Julio treated each sketch as a miniature film, emphasizing color’s role in storytelling. He recounts a particular sketch where his character, Emma, portrayed an emotionally raw actress cheated on in a gay porn production. The color palette was intentionally overexposed with sad undertones, enhancing the emotional depth. Julio notes, “We treated every sketch as if they were like a little short film. Everything was very intentional” ([13:30]).

Exploring Projects: Problemista, Los Espookis, and Phantasmas

1. Problemista
   Timestamp: 35:30 – 40:47
   Julio discusses "Problemista," a project he directed, wrote, and starred in, describing it as a culmination of his visual storytelling. Influenced by anime, he aimed to create a "live-action anime" feel, utilizing color to evoke emotions like love and loneliness. Collaborating with cinematographer Frederick, Julio focused on making colors "more shiny" to reflect his character’s optimistic and resilient nature. He explains, “Problemista was shiny. Fantasma is glowy” ([39:38]).

2. Los Espookis
   Timestamp: 25:44 – 34:43
   In "Los Espookis," Julio and co-creator Anna explore gothic aesthetics with a campy twist. Julio details the character design, particularly the use of blue and green to define personalities and thematic elements. The show’s visual consistency stems from collaborative efforts to maintain a cohesive color scheme, ensuring that each element—from costumes to set design—contributed to the overall narrative. He remarks, “Every character is sort of like a little Halloween costume of themselves” ([26:00]).

3. Phantasmas
   Timestamp: 44:27 – 50:49
   "Phantasmas" represents Julio’s exploration of translucence and ghostliness in color. He contrasts it with "Problemista," describing Phantasmas as embodying loneliness and isolation through a more subdued and glowy palette. Julio emphasizes the experimental nature of the show, aiming to blend different worlds seamlessly through consistent color use. He states, “They’re all glowy, ghostly, and there’s a sort of melancholic quality to them” ([49:40]).

Current Project: Color Theories
Timestamp: 50:49 – 53:18

Julio introduces his ongoing project, "Color Theories," a show dedicated to discussing the nuances of color. While the project remains a work in progress, Julio explains that it stems from his continuous contemplation of color’s impact on storytelling and personal expression. He expresses uncertainty about the show's final form but emphasizes its foundation in his deep-seated fascination with color dynamics. Julio humorously shares his wardrobe dilemma for the project, opting for all-black attire to remain neutral amidst his evolving color-focused narratives.

Personal Reflections on Hair and Color
Timestamp: 52:30 – 53:59

Wrapping up the discussion, Julio touches on his current hairstyle, symbolizing a transitional phase in his creative journey. He mentions his intent to grow out his hair, signifying an “in-between” state of ideation and evolution. Julio jokes about potential future styles, indicating his playful yet thoughtful engagement with personal aesthetics as extensions of his artistic vision.

Notable Quotes

• Julio Torres: “I haven’t earned color yet. If I start wearing color, I’ll just be coasting.” ([10:30])
• Julio Torres: “They were very deliberate. They were very non-passive colors.” ([04:40])
• Julio Torres: “We treated every sketch as if they were like a little short film. Everything was very intentional.” ([13:30])
• Julio Torres: “Problemista was shiny. Fantasma is glowy.” ([39:38])
• Julio Torres: “They’re all glowy, ghostly, and there’s a sort of melancholic quality to them.” ([49:40])

Conclusion

In this insightful episode, Julio Torres unravels the profound influence of color on his comedic and creative works. From his early childhood experiences to his sophisticated projects in film and television, color serves as a pivotal element in his storytelling arsenal. Listeners gain a deep appreciation of how Julio intertwines visual aesthetics with narrative depth, making "Good One: A Podcast About Jokes" a compelling exploration of the art behind the humor.

Further Listening
For those intrigued by Julio’s discussion on color dynamics in comedy and storytelling, subscribing to "Good One: A Podcast About Jokes" on Apple Podcasts is highly recommended. Don’t miss upcoming episodes that continue to explore the intricate relationship between humor and visual artistry.