José de Zer was an Argentine journalist who managed to capture the public's attention and became a television icon in Argentina during the 1980s. Through his sensationalist and mysterious reports, he created a unique and memorable character that has left a legacy in the country's television.
The movie "The Man Who Loved Flying Saucers," available on Netflix, tells the story of José de Zer and his faithful cameraman, El Chango, who embark on an investigation full of conspiracies, conspiracy theories, and close encounters of the third kind. As they delve deeper into the investigation, the line between reality and fiction becomes blurred, immersing them in a surreal media circus.
The cast of the film is led by Leonardo Sbaraglia as José de Zer, Sergio Prina as El Chango, and Osmar Núñez in an enigmatic role. José de Zer was known for his charismatic and passionate style of narrating sensationalist stories that often bordered on fiction, filled with special effects and dramatic music.
Despite his popularity, José de Zer was criticized for the lack of rigor in his reports and for manipulating information to generate sensationalism. Many considered that he exaggerated facts and invented details to make the stories more interesting, which generated controversy in the journalistic field.
Despite the criticisms, José de Zer’s legacy endures in Argentine popular culture. His reports became the subject of parodies and memes, and phrases like "Follow me, Chango" have become emblems of his unique style. Through his blend of reality and fiction, José de Zer left an indelible mark on Argentine television. His participation in the news program Nuevediario and his preference for mysterious and paranormal topics made him an iconic figure in television at the time, fondly remembered by many.
