There’s nothing calm about Josh Safdie’s latest film “Marty Supreme,” a thrilling, genre-bending drama starring Timothée Chalamet, one of this generation’s defining superstars.
The film, set in 1952 New York City, is loosely based on the life of table tennis player Marty Reisman, but the character is named Marty Mauser in the movie. Safdie manages to turn a theme as seemingly insignificant as ping pong into a wild ride full of twists and surprises that many would never see coming.
Despite its wildly entertaining, frenetic style and stellar performances from Chalamet, rising star Odessa A’zion, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin O’Leary and even rapper Tyler, the Creator, the film falls short of a rewarding payoff viewers typically expect from a story of this nature.
The film follows Mauser’s journey from a shoe salesman to a champion chasing greatness as he travels abroad to compete in table tennis tournaments, all while getting roped into elite social circles and performing for halftime acts and advertising campaigns. If there is one trait to describe Mauser, it would be that he is more in love with the idea of success than he is with any real person.
Mauser’s excessive ambition is the antagonist, causing him to lie and cheat his way to the top and abandon his loved ones in the process. He comes to terms with the daunting level of conviction required to achieve his goals, yet he refuses to even consider any other plan.
The end of the film marks Mauser’s ego death. His old dream is left behind when he is forced to deal with the humbling reality of life. However, viewers are left wondering what this means for him and what the purpose of the turning point is.
While “Marty Supreme” is not considered a biopic and does not claim to be an accurate biography of Reisman’s life, it still poses the question: Why is this person worth making a movie about? It is especially worth wondering since Mauser’s success in the film does not reap much of a reward.
If Safdie’s goal was to make a movie about failure, he did so successfully. However, considering the lack of an overall payoff, much of the story’s nuance is neglected.
A controversial aspect of the film is the unappealing nature of Mauser’s character. Perhaps his drive is meant to come off as compelling, but viewers agree he is selfish, manipulative and relentless in getting his way at the expense of others.
It is rare for a protagonist to be deeply unlikeable yet still rooted for by the audience, but Chalamet’s ability to achieve both, along with his exceptional table tennis skills, is a testament to his performance.
Much of Mauser’s determination is reflective of Chalamet’s own desire for greatness in the Hollywood sphere.
“I’m really in pursuit of greatness. I know people don’t usually talk like that, but I want to be one of the greats. I’m inspired by the greats, and I want to be up there,” Chalamet said in a speech at the 31st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Feb. 3, 2025.
Despite this strong sense of pride that may be frowned upon by some, both Mauser and Chalamet show nothing but passion for their endeavors, which is worth celebrating in itself.
“Marty Supreme” defies viewers’ expectations with bold and eclectic energy that doesn’t die until Mauser’s pride does. It proves that even with a detestable main character and a questionable ending, one can’t help but relish the film itself.
