Modern classics don’t reveal themselves over time — you feel them instantly. More than halfway through the decade, defining movies are taking the stage. “Marty Supreme” makes its case as one of those films by being one of the best movies of this year. Directed by Josh Safdie, is a high-paced, chaotic and ambitious film built to be the next modern classic. From the career-defining performance of Timothee Chalamet to the kinetic, rhythmic score composed by Oneohtrix Point Never, the film has the same bravado as its own main character.
Based in mid twentieth century New York, a world-renowned but often despised Marty Mauser tries to achieve his goal of becoming the world champion in Table Tennis. Throughout the film going through countless trials and tribulations to hopefully achieve this goal and proves to not only people close to him, but the world his true talent.
Director Josh Safdie, a part of the Safdie Brothers directing duo, is known for his anxiety-inducing filmmaking, with character-driven stories about people living on the fringes of society. This theme is seen in their signature films like “Uncut Gems” with Adam Sandler and “Good Time” with Robert Pattinson.
Marty Supreme continues that trick with Chalamet’s Marty Mauser, an aspiring Table Tennis champion in 1952 New York. Chalamet’s portrayal of Mauser finds a perfect balance between cockiness while still being a sympathetic lead. For example, in an early scene in the film, Mauser speaks at a press conference, where he utters one of the more memorable lines in the film, “I’m Hitler’s worst nightmare. Just look at me. I’m here. I’m on top. I’m the ultimate product of Hitler’s defeat.” This shows the ego-driven, bold personality that defines not only Mauser’s character, but the film as a whole.
Behind the scenes
Since his breakout role in 2017’s Call Me By Your Name, Chalamet has blossomed into this era’s leading actor. With his performance as Mauser, Chalamet makes a case for this being the role that could define his career, mirroring a similar ambition that his character shows throughout the film when talking about what this role means for him.
In an interview with Forbes Magazine, Chalamet said, “Sometimes maybe I get carried away in speaking about Marty Mauser’s spirit, but certainly in promoting the movie and how much I believe in this movie and how much film is suffering right now, I don’t want to leave anything on the field, for lack of a better metaphor. That’s why I’m trying to do everything to put this out”.
This quote reveals what made Chalamet one of the most acclaimed actors of this generation: going above and beyond to deliver a great performance. He has practiced table tennis with professionals regularly since 2018 to bring authenticity to the role. That dedication is what’s needed for a film to be seen as an integral part of a decade, similar to Denzel Washington in Training Day, Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic, and Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump. Marty Mauser isn’t just another good role by Chalamet — it’s the kind of role that defines a decade of cinema.
Direction
Josh Safdie’s filmmaking keeps a similar balance of self-confidence while still creating an emotional film. Many directors would’ve struggled to keep a film’s true moments of emotion while viewing a character as self-centered as Mauser. That balance communicates Mauser’s personal struggle within the film of being consumed by the ultimate goal while trying to survive in a society where he is seen as an outsider. On top of that, Josh’s ability to make a goofy sport like table tennis into a high stakes, intense game confirms his talent to turn ironic ideas into serious plot points.
Chalamet and Josh Safdie lead a film that moves like its main character thinks: overconfident, fast, and bold. Marty Supreme isn’t just any movie—it’s a time capsule. Chalamet and Safdie meet at a perfect place in their careers to make a film that will define the rest of their careers and the decade.
