José de Zer is an entertainment journalist who works for a TV news channel. He is known for reporting on strange and paranormal topics, especially UFO sightings. His career takes a major turn when he fabricates a story about a UFO landing, which gains huge attention. Played by Leonardo Sbaraglia in The Man Who Loved UFOs, José’s obsession with UFOs blurs the line between truth and fiction, leading to a mysterious and confusing journey.

Trivia/Facts

• Entertainment Journalist: José de Zer is an entertainment journalist working for a TV news channel. He is known for his bold and dramatic reporting style. José focuses on unusual topics, including paranormal events and UFO sightings. His career takes a surprising turn after a high-profile incident.
• Health Crisis: While interviewing a famous celebrity named Monica, José suffers a seizure. This sudden health issue shocks everyone present, including the viewers. It adds an element of vulnerability to José’s character. This event becomes a turning point in his life and career.
• UFO Obsession: José de Zer becomes deeply obsessed with UFOs after hearing about a sighting. He reports on a supposed UFO landing in a rural area, even though the evidence is weak. Despite the lack of solid proof, his report captures the public’s attention. This obsession starts to blur the line between reality and fiction for José.

The Man Who Loved UFOs (2024)

• Fabrication of Evidence: In his quest to prove the existence of UFOs, José fabricates evidence. He presents burnt insects, strange lights in the sky, and hieroglyphs as proof. These elements are later revealed to be false and planted by him. Despite the deception, his report becomes wildly popular and boosts his career.
• Struggle with Imposter Syndrome: Throughout the movie, José deals with feelings of imposter syndrome. He struggles with the idea that he might not truly believe in the things he is reporting. However, as he continues his search for UFOs, he begins to find new meaning in his work. This inner conflict adds depth to his character.
• Blurred Reality: As the movie progresses, the line between reality and José’s fabricated stories becomes increasingly blurred. Strange and inexplicable events start to happen around him. It is unclear whether these are real or products of his imagination. This creates a confusing and mysterious ending for the film.

The Man Who Loved UFOs (2024)

• Career Impact: José’s fabricated UFO story makes him a household name, but it also damages his credibility. Years later, it is revealed that the entire story was a hoax, including the “evidence” he presented. Despite this, many people still remember him for his entertaining reports. His career is a mix of success and scandal.
• Personal Challenges: Apart from his professional life, José also faces personal challenges. He is described as a chain smoker and a “serial womanizer” by his daughter. These personal flaws add complexity to his character. His life is marked by highs and lows, both in his career and personal life.
• Legacy in Journalism: José’s unique style of reporting left a lasting impact on Argentine media. He was one of the first to blend real news with sensationalized stories. His use of found footage and dramatic presentation became a trend in TV news. Despite his controversial methods, he is remembered as a media pioneer.
• Final Moments: In the final moments of the film, José’s search for UFOs leads him into a deeper mystery. His belief in the paranormal grows stronger, but it also leads to his downfall. The movie ends on an ambiguous note, leaving viewers questioning what is real and what is not. José de Zer’s journey is both intriguing and tragic.

The Man Who Loved UFOs (2024)

José de Zer’s Relationship with Other Characters

• Monica: She is the high-profile celebrity José interviews before suffering a seizure. Their interaction is brief but significant as it marks a turning point in José’s life.
• Colleagues: His coworkers admire his bold style but are skeptical of his UFO stories. Some support him, while others doubt his credibility as a journalist.
• Public: The audience is fascinated by José’s reports on UFOs, even though his fabricated stories mislead them. They see him as both an entertainer and a controversial figure.