This new film from director and co-writer Josh Safdie is a perfect blend of his lush cinematic storytelling style and his love and ability to portray gritty, underbelly realities, as seen in his 2014 independent film Heaven Knows What and his more mainstream, award-nominated 2019 film Uncut Gems starring Adam Sandler.
Marty Supreme tells the story of Marty Mauser (Timothée Chalamet), a young, extremely rare, and talented table tennis (ping-pong) player. He works at his uncle’s shop to save up money for an international competition. And to keep his mother (Fran Drescher) off his back.
His childhood friend Rachel (Odessa A’zion) is married to a brute but in love with Marty. Because of the affair they’re having, she winds up pregnant, which is not part of Marty’s plan to dominate the world of table tennis.
All this is taking place after World War II, around 1952, in New York City. Marty meets and becomes involved with an older, retired film star, Kay Stone (Gwyneth Paltrow), and her obscenely wealthy, controlling husband, Milton Rockwell (Kevin O’Leary). Besides being gifted at table tennis, Marty can talk his way into and out of just about any situation. He’s the kind of guy that, no matter what the odds look like, he’s going to make it out, maybe not unscathed, but at least alive – all in the pursuit of becoming a renowned world champion celebrated on a box of Wheaties.
The spectacular cinematography of Marty Supreme is by Darius Khondi. His creative style spans nearly every genre, from psychological thrillers like 1995’s Se7en to epic dramas like 2023’s Bardo. His way of capturing a story has influenced modern cinema, and as one of the leading cinematographers, he brings all his talent to this film. His shooting style, combined with the director’s choice to use well-known 1980s songs (remember, this film is visually rooted in the 1950s), creates a striking juxtaposition of visuals and audio that complements the director/co-writer’s beautiful story.
The cast elevates the film: Timothée Chalamet shines, proving he is the Marlon Brando of this generation. Gwyneth Paltrow embraces her age as the much older yet still beautiful love interest. Odessa A’zion is the standout, delivering a heart-wrenching performance as the woman in love with Marty—willing to do whatever it takes to support his dream and worthy of an Oscar nomination.
I give Marty Supreme 4.5 stars. It’s a beautiful-looking film that makes you actually care about table tennis (Ping Pong) and a very single-minded, scrappy young man too stubborn to give up on his dreams.
Directed by: Josh Safdie
Written by: Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie
Rated: R
Running Time: 2 hr 30 min
Drama/ Sport
Release: In theaters December 25th
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A’zion, Kevin O’Leary
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.