Julio Torres's directorial debut 'Problemista' has been met with critical acclaim, hailed as a revival of imagination in the film industry. The Salvadorian-American comic and SNL alumnus writes, directs, co-produces and stars as Alejandro, an immigrant Salvadorian in the US trying to maintain his visa while pursuing his dream of becoming a toy designer.
The film features Tilda Swinton as Elizabeth, an imperious and demanding woman whose artist husband has been cryogenically frozen. Swinton delivers a full-on comedy performance, reminiscent of her roles in Wes Anderson films, which almost rescues the movie from being insufferable, according to critics.
Torres and Swinton's dynamic echoes 'Driving Miss Daisy', with Elizabeth's grating high-handedness teaching the saintly Alejandro to stand up for himself. The film is noted for its Wes Anderson-esque style, including a droll voiceover from Isabella Rossellini, and its blend of quirky, pass-agg hipster charm.
