It is said of Jesús Quintero that he was an extremely sensitive person. Behind the successful communicator who enjoyed fame was hiding a character who over the years has eaten up the person. The one that gave voice to that Spain that was on the margins. The documentary ’The Crazy. The silences of Quintero’ (available from this Wednesday on RTVE Play and next November 27 at 10pm on La 2) focuses on one of the most influential figures of the last century through two unique episodes that attempt to reflect a complex and fascinating story . professional and sentimental radiography. An unpublished portrait that explores what was behind those over 10,000 hours of lights-out interviews.
Two years after the death of the enigmatic interviewer, the documentary series, directed by José Rueda and Rocío Cañaveras, delves into the career and personal life of the presenter who marked a before and after in the Spanish media with programs such as ‘Ratones Coloraos’ , “The Green Dog” or “The Madman on the Hill”. With the participation of his two daughters, Andrea and Lola Quintero, and his former partner, the journalist Joana Bonet, the documentary explores Quintero’s contribution and an unpublished personal archive, with preliminary reflections on the recording of the programs that help to understand the character .
A communicator, according to his family’s history, who saw an expression of his own life in the particular atmosphere he created for his radio and television spaces. «’El loco’ saved my father’s life. It allowed him to have a place in the world by being who he was,” Andrea acknowledges in the documentary, where he also confesses that he began to understand him through the 80s cassettes that he found in his radio programs. “Such special people tend to feeling alone, that no one will understand her. She created a character so that people wouldn’t reject her and what happened was that people loved the character. It’s wonderful and lucky,” she says.
Originally from San Juan del Puerto (Huelva), Quintero achieved popularity with his unparalleled radio style. He landed on the RNE and then went to Cadena Ser, in that democratic Spain that was beginning to consolidate. His TVE debut came in 1988 with ‘El perro verde’, an innovative space where “the strange and the marginalized lived at the same time as the president of the government or a rock star”. Between drinks, tobacco and silence, the most sincere interviews of the time emerged. Quintero asked Lola Flores what she would say to a woman who has a drug-addicted child. «Don’t abandon him, don’t chase him out of the house. And let him suffer, for he suffers,” replied Pharaoh.
The journalist entered the prison to interview Rafi Escobedo, convicted of the murder of the Marquises of Urquijo and who, three days later, took his own life. But he also entered prison with the program ‘Corpses of prisoners’ (Antena 3) in which he asked criminals if killing was easy; or I would take the story of a person who was abused in a psychiatric hospital. «I am passionate about seeing how my father connected with people who lived on the margins. In all aspects. The Spain that we do not want to see, but which exists”, defends Lola Quintero. «He was a sane madman, but he had no prejudices about the madness or stigma of others. It is one of the great feats that he achieved and internalized in the profession. ” He spoke to them without condescension or paternalism,” says his ex-wife, Joana Bonet.
The RTVE Play documentary does not focus exclusively on analyzing his professional career and his relationship with the media. ‘El loco’ also portrays Quintero himself in love with his Andalusian land; the one who behind his clothes couldn’t stand the passage of time. To those who have suffered from depression. To the person fascinated by daughters but for whom fatherhood, however, sometimes seemed complex. To a ‘madman’, as they say in the documentary, who fought against his own weaknesses.
What insights about Jesús Quintero’s personal life does the documentary The Silences of Quintero offer?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Expert on Jesús Quintero
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good morning! Today, we’re diving into the life and legacy of an extraordinary figure in the Spanish media landscape – Jesús Quintero. Joining me to discuss his documentary, The Crazy: The Silences of Quintero, is media expert, Dr. Elena Sánchez. Welcome, Dr. Sánchez!
Dr. Elena Sánchez (ES): Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here to discuss such a fascinating subject.
TNE: Let’s start with Jesús Quintero’s unique style as a communicator. What made his approach to interviews resonate so strongly with audiences?
ES: Quintero had an unmatched ability to create a space where his guests felt safe enough to share their true selves. His interviews were marked by a mix of sincerity and silence, allowing for genuine, often profound moments. This is particularly important in a media landscape that tends to favor sensationalism over substance.
TNE: Absolutely, and the documentary promises to shed light on the man behind the persona. What do you believe are some key aspects of his character that have been highlighted in The Silences of Quintero?
ES: The documentary reveals that Quintero was not just a talented communicator but an incredibly sensitive individual, as you mentioned earlier. His daughters speak about how he used his on-screen persona to cope with feelings of loneliness and to connect with others. It’s an evocative exploration of his dual nature—successful yet deeply vulnerable.
TNE: One of the highlights of his career was his program El perro verde. How did this show change the media landscape in Spain during its time?
ES: El perro verde was groundbreaking; it broke down barriers by featuring individuals from marginalized communities alongside prominent figures like politicians and artists. Quintero’s special gift was in presenting these contrasting voices with equal importance, prompting audiences to engage with a broader spectrum of society. His innovative formats set a new standard for interviews in the broadcast media.
TNE: The documentary features personal insights from Quintero’s family and collaborators. How do you think their reflections shape our understanding of him?
ES: The participation of his daughters, Andrea and Lola, as well as journalist Joana Bonet, offers intimate perspectives that go beyond professional accomplishments. For instance, Andrea’s remarks about how her father’s character provided him a sense of belonging illuminate his personal struggles. These insights are vital for understanding the emotional layers behind his public persona.
TNE: It seems that Quintero’s life story is not just one of fame but also of profound introspection. What do you think is the main takeaway for audiences watching this documentary?
ES: Viewers will likely be struck by the complexity of Quintero as a person. His journey reflects the broader human experience of seeking connection while grappling with personal demons. The film encourages a conversation about the importance of authenticity in communication—a lesson that remains relevant in today’s media environment.
TNE: A vital topic indeed! As we conclude, what do you hope audiences will feel after watching The Silences of Quintero?
ES: I hope they come away with a deeper appreciation for the nuanced ways in which communicators influence public discourse. Quintero’s capacity to reveal truth through silence is a powerful testament to the art of conversation, urging us all to listen more deeply.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Sánchez, for your insights into the life of Jesús Quintero. It’s clear that through this documentary, we will not only remember a remarkable communicator but also explore the intricate layers of his humanity.
ES: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing this impactful figure!