Damián Szifron habla de Relatos salvajes

Film Origin: “Almost by Accident”

Film creator Damián Szifron explains that Relatos salvajes came together almost by accident. He says he didn’t set out to make the film directly—instead, while developing other projects, small stories kept appearing. To prevent them from becoming separate feature-length ideas, he compressed them into a linked series of intense, thematically connected tales.

Core Structure and Recurring Pattern

Szifron describes a consistent pattern across the film: in each segment, a character loses control, and someone crosses the line from civilization into barbarism.

Tone and Comparisons: Spectacle + Anthology

He frames the viewing experience as something between spectacle and genre anthology, likening it to classics such as:

• “Amazing Stories”
• “Alfred Hitchcock Presents”
• “The Twilight Zone”

While the stories touch reality, they escalate into extreme set pieces, including crashes, charred corpses, fistfights, and even a wedding-night betrayal—where a bride discovers her husband cheating with another guest.

Where the Outrage Comes From

When asked how he invents such outrageous situations—especially given how easily real life can make people angry—Szifron says he starts with everyday situations and authentic, real anger (his or others’). He then transforms those moments into a freer space of imagination and fantasy.

Audience Impact: Catharsis

He emphasizes the effect on audiences, describing it as a cathartic experience—a point that critics also repeatedly make.

“Wilder Tales” and the Work Process

Szifron also mentions that he has more “wilder tales” ideas left somewhere in the works, suggesting possible follow-ups. However, he notes the process is demanding because screenwriting takes a long time—unlike other art forms that can produce work more quickly.

Oscar Buzz: Awards vs. Lasting Change

Finally, he addresses the Oscar buzz, admitting he can’t pretend not to care about awards. Still, he argues that awards matter more to the artists than to viewers. Viewers, he suggests, usually remember the films that changed them, not necessarily the ones that won trophies.

Main Highlights / Jokes / Reactions

• The repeated “civilization vs. barbarism” motif as the film’s driving engine.
• Strong genre-spot comparisons (e.g., Twilight Zone / Hitchcock anthology vibe).
• The shocking wedding-night cheating reveal (kept spoiler-free in the discussion).
• A brief comedic/confused exchange about an oddly phrased “long-haired girl” comment, followed by talk of unfinished “wilder tales.”
• Reflection on Oscars: awards versus lasting audience impact.

Personalities Mentioned

• Damián Szifron (director/writer)
• Néstor (interviewer, referenced in the subtitles as “Film this for me, Nestor…”)