Marty Supreme Movie Review

“Marty Supreme” is about one of the most outlandishly fascinating characters in the world of sports, Marty Mauser, the United States Table Tennis champ. ​

Mauser is loosely based on the life of table tennis star Marty Reisman, who made a name for himself in the sport in the 1950s. This eccentric movie was produced and directed by Josh Safdie, who co-wrote the script with Ronald Bronstein, with whom he previously wrote “Daddy Longlegs” and “Uncut Gems.” Their star, Timothée Chalamet, is a whirlwind who may get an Oscar for this performance. He trained for over six years to look like he knew what he was doing at a table. Based on this kind of commitment, I knew I had to see this. The movie never slows down; it’s exhausting watching Chalamet play the part of this 23-year-old ping-pong pro. 

He was learning to play while shooting “Dune: Part Two” and “Wonka,” a role that required a lot of his attention. That said, playing the Jewish Marty Mauser, a real-life character full of vigor and grit, does too. If you want to look convincing and authentic, be named Chalamet. He has the skill to manage the task. By the way, Marty thinks a great deal about himself. Just ask him. He wants the game to be beloved in America and believes he can do it… is aiming high, something he likes to do. Marty is cocky to the point of being sickening. He thinks he’s the chosen one and obnoxiously shows off every chance he gets. He gets to know actress Kay Stone (Paltrow), seeing her as another conquest. But, as you’ll learn, is the case with everyone he knows, she’s mostly a way to get to what he really wants. This time, it’s a sponsorship deal with her husband. He’s a grifter, but Kay isn’t stupid. She’s onto him. Paltrow is flawless in the role.

The cinematography, lighting, and set design are outstanding. It’s Timothée Chalamet’s best role to date. He makes Marty hard to cheer for, but you hope he walks away with the Oscar, thereby helping Marty succeed. Speaking of, seeing Marty as a narcissist is easy. He lies to everyone, even himself, to get what he wants… and he also endures a lot of humiliation. In the end, looking through a window, he finally sees that he is loved and needed, just for who he is, not what he can do for someone. The film didn’t need to be this long; the story about the dog could have been lost. But this is some excellent writing. There’s a lot going on, so be sure not to get up for any reason or you’ll miss an important plot point. Unsure of what’s coming next, the last thirty minutes or so will leave you a complete mess… mentally. This movie is action shot after action shot, fast-paced, and so intense that it rarely gives you a break. You’ll need a massage after watching so you can relax.

Directors, the Safdie brothers, worked on two sports biopics this year, separately, that is. Josh made Marty Supreme, and Benny Safdie gave us The Smashing Machine, about Dwayne Johnson’s MMA fighter Mark Kerr. You decide which is your favorite. With this one, cinematographer Darius Khondji, (Midnight in Paris, Se7en) will be burning out what’s left of your last nerves.