‘Marty Supreme’ Review: Timothée Chalamet Hits a Mesmerizing and Sweaty Serve

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“Marty Supreme”

It’s not hard to assume there’s a large population of people completely unfamiliar with the history of table tennis’ greatest players like Ma Long (back to back Olympic champion in table tennis), Jan Ove-Waldner (typically known as the “Mozart of table tennis”), and Marty Reisman (the inspiration behind ‘Marty Supreme’). Even then, there’s a good chance people aren’t aware of where table tennis comes from. The sport originated as a more accessible, simpler alternative to tennis after people from the Victorian Era finished their dinners.. In 1901, the term ping-pong was trademarked by a British manufacturer despite the popularity of the name prior to it being locked behind copyright walls.

Placed in the palisades of a fully living and thriving 1950s New York City, Marty Mausser (Timothée Chalamet) guides the riches and insecurities that comes with being the most promising ping-pong player of his time. The film treads the line between standard “be careful what you wish for” and a defiant stance against larger than life tidal waves pretty carefully. Right from the gecko, the film rolls out on a high that it consistently satisfies, and it delivers constant losses, wins, and downright baffling moments.

Further breaking down Chalamet’s performance, the easiest way to contextualize the performance of a lifetime is to mirror him with his real life image. Just last year at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, Chalamet became the youngest person to score a victory in the Male Actor in a Leading Role category. In the two minutes that he took the stage, he announced to everyone: “… I’m in the pursuit of greatness… I want to be one of the greats.” Characterizing Marty Mausser feels impossible, but he parallels the same drive Chalamet currently shows. Without fail, there isn’t a single moment of hesitation or cowardice in Chalamet’s performance, and he persists along a treacherous journey.

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“Marty Supreme”

Stylistically, ‘Marty Supreme’ works similarly to that of Safdie’s previous collaborations with his brother. Where it stands differently as a solo feat is introduced with its sprawling script. Although Josh Safdie isn’t a stranger to cold and borderline evil protagonists, Chalamet’s work at hand causes Marty Mausser to simply transcend. Chalamet exhausts the viewer within every scheme and idea conjured up, and while it might be unpleasant to most, the craft presented is truly masterful.

The contemporary setting is complimented with the gorgeous costuming and time accurate sets. To fully contrast that, the stylization synthesized by the anxiety-inducing editing completely violates the peace previously established. The unconventionally riveting dynamic puts the same pressure a ticking time bomb has on anyone into one big panic attack. Lifted up by Daniel Lopatin’s electronic score, the unfamiliar mixes raises the volume at ten, and it keeps it there for the entire runtime.

The entire ensemble shocks and stuns, specifically citing Odessa A’zion’s completely show stopping scenes. There’s not a single weak link present; from Tyler Okonma (previously only known by his artist name Tyler the Creator) to Kevin O’Leary (‘Shark Tank’s’ “Mr. Wonderful”), the blend of iconic faces don’t distract, but instead, they transport us into the ridiculousness of the world created.

Finishing ‘Marty Supreme’ ends up feeling like an achievement. As soon as those credits hit, the never-ending spiral rewards the audience with one of the most captivating, haunting, and straight up emotional endings. Accompanied by Tears For Fears’ wonderful track, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” the final moments create a sense of triumph like no other. Josh Safdie fully spikes the ball.