Josh Safdie’s new film ‘Marty Supreme’ follows Timothée Chalamet’s table-tennis star, blending sharp pacing, a Daniel Lopatin score, and a bittersweet ending.
The Film and Its Premise
The story centers on Marty Mauser, a rising table-tennis talent who works a job he hates, impregnates a married neighbor, and remains perpetually broke. Determined to prove himself, Marty travels to a championship he believes will crown him the American face of the sport. He even persuades a friend’s wealthy father to fund a line of ‘Marty Supreme’ branded orange ping-pong balls. The film follows Marty through the final round, where an unexpected Japanese entrant defeats him, leaving him publicly humiliated. After the loss, Marty returns to the U.S. with a renewed drive to prove himself, facing the fallout of his reckless choices.
Casting and Performances
Timothée Chalamet, who turns 30 this Saturday, dominates the screen as a fast-talking, overconfident athlete willing to do questionable things to get what he wants. In his February SAG Awards acceptance speech, Chalamet said he is “in pursuit of greatness” and wants to be “one of the greats.” The film also features Gwyneth Paltrow as Kay, an actress turned trophy wife for Milton Rockwell, and Odessa A’zion as Rachel, a childhood friend who yearns to be with Marty. Paltrow’s performance brings a dissatisfied glamour that balances Marty’s ruthlessness.
Production and Style
‘Marty Supreme’ is Safdie’s first film since the 2019 crime thriller ‘Uncut Gems’. Co-written by Safdie and Ronald Bronstein, the screenplay builds tension through character moments rather than plot gimmicks. The film’s rapid pacing, sharp cuts, and stirring action echo Safdie’s earlier work, but with less claustrophobic stress. Daniel Lopatin’s original score underpins the emotional beats, while Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” plays over the final scene of Marty looking at his newborn child.
Reception and Critique
The film is not a biopic, and its marketing deliberately avoids phrases such as “inspired by” or “based on.” Although loosely based on real-life table-tennis player Marty Reisman, the filmmakers emphasize that the story is fictional. Critic Russell Falcon of Nexstar gave the film a five-star rating, noting its comprehensive portrait of ambition and failure.
Key Takeaways
- Marty’s journey shows the cost of chasing glory at any cost.
- The film blends sharp visual style with a heartfelt score.
- Despite its fictional status, it nods to the legacy of Marty Reisman.
The movie is now playing nationwide, offering audiences a raw look at ambition, loss, and the possibility of redemption.
