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By Keith Walther | Rose Law Group Reporter
Actors who embrace a role as completely as Timothée Chalamet are hard to find, and once again he turns this movie into a must-see with a riveting performance. “Marty Supreme” is an epic period drama that is not based on a true story but is loosely based on the real life of table tennis champion Marty Reisman. This is a compelling story filled with the ups and downs of a New York hustler who will do anything to achieve his dreams.
It is 1952 in New York, and Marty Mauser (Timothée Chalamet) is a self-confident dreamer, a grifter, a smooth operator, and a ping pong prodigy. He has plans to become the best table tennis player in the world, and he will let absolutely nothing stand in his way of achieving his goals. From London to Tokyo, Marty must overcome significant financial setbacks and life-threatening situations he created to fulfill his dreams, even if that means trampling on the backs of his friends and family to do so.
It should come as no surprise that this is another Oscar caliber performance from Timothée Chalamet, who was previously nominated for “Call Me by Your Name” and “A Complete Unknown”. While those performances were undeniably special, he takes this one to an even greater level that could finally earn him that elusive victory. He had been preparing for this role for about seven years, training in table tennis and even going so far as to bring a table on the set of his numerous other projects leading up to this one. This lends a tremendous amount of authenticity to his performance, allowing him to believably compete and even lend credible artistry to his movements. For him to make ping pong look cool is an achievement in and of itself.
Chalamet’s quick-witted, confident line delivery additionally makes the audience hang on every word. He shines in scenes where he’s flying by the seat of his pants, concocting devious plans and sweet-talking people into doing things they wouldn’t normally agree to do. Displaying an unequivocal charm, he convincingly manipulates people to further his own agenda. It’s the kind of performance that elevates the entire production to the point where viewers are convinced nobody else on the planet could play this part as well.
This is Josh Safdie’s first solo directorial effort after parting ways with his brother Benny post “Uncut Gems.” Similar to “Uncut Gems,” Josh strives to make his audience immediately uncomfortable in the opening act, quickly letting viewers know that he’s not going to hold anything back. He even succeeds in once again capturing those anxiety inducing scenes that’s becoming his trademark style. The audience is continually kept on edge throughout the two-and-a-half-hour runtime through tense scenes of quick dialogue and angry shouting, as well as a continual hinting and threatening of violence. As relentless as Safdie’s filmmaking style can be, he does offer viewers some breaks through humor that can also be uncomfortable at times.
This is one of the best written screenplays of the year and will undoubtedly be nominated if not outright win the Oscar. Coupled with an intense cinematography style of long lenses and tight framing to magnify close-ups, accentuating the sweaty faces, the character-focused realism provides viewers with a more intimate connection to the scenes. Interestingly, Safdie utilizes a unique approach of juxtaposition by combining the vintage look of the 1950s with modern music that actually works because of the frenetic, contemporary pacing. His controlled energetic and chaotic aggressive style presents a stressful environment that keeps his audience on their toes.
Josh Safdie also has a knack for thoughtfully and successfully incorporating non-actors into his films. This time he brings in magician Penn Jillette, high-wire artist Philippe Petit, radio host John Catsimatidis, and former NBAer George Gervin to play key supporting roles. However, it is businessman Kevin O’Leary and Luke Manley from “Barstool Sports” who really shine in their small yet memorable roles. Safdie also knows how to bring out the very best from the professional cast members like Gyneth Paltrow, who gives her first non-Marvel film performance in ten years, and Odessa A’zion, who gives an electric performance as the woman infatuated with the main character.
Who knew watching a film about ping pong could be so entertaining? Between Chalamet’s outstanding performance and Safdie’s anxiety inducing direction, “Marty Supreme” is not only a must-see, but it will also be a front running Oscar contender across multiple categories including Best Picture. Don’t miss this seesaw drama of how far a healthy amount of confidence can propel this charismatic character in pursuit of his ambitions.
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