Background:
The promotion of “Marty Supreme” featured celebrities in branded bomber jackets, Timothée Chalamet screaming from the top of the Sphere and even new rap songs made about the semi-fictional character. Eager fans waited for the film’s premiere, but it didn’t seem like anyone actually knew what the movie was actually about. Loosely inspired by real-life table tennis player Marty Reisman, “Marty Supreme” follows the obsessive journey of Marty Mauser, an arrogant but driven young man. Working to be the best table-tennis player in the world, Mauser does everything in his power to compete internationally, neglecting his pregnant girlfriend and going to any length to get the money to be “the best.”
Acting:
Anti:
The sole silver lining I felt coming out of the movie theater was the relief that no actor casted was unworthy for the role. From Critics’ Choice award winner Timothée Chalamet to singer Tyler Okonma as his best friend Wally, or Shark Tank persona Kevin O’Leary as tycoon Milton Rockwell, each actor embodied their character with intense depth. However, almost every character was insufferable and had me rooting for a pulled fire alarm during the screening.
Pro:
Timothée Chalamet was able to completely dive into the role of Marty, practicing table tennis for about seven years, playing the role with restless, high-stakes energy which made viewers love the character, even when he seemed to be totally self-assertive. The stunt casting in this film with Kevin O’Leary, Tyler, The Creator, Gwyneth Paltrow and National Basketball Association legends such as George Gervin, Tracy McGrady and Kemba Walker was absolutely genius. It was a fantastic way to create buzz, surprise audiences and capture attention.
Storyline:
Anti:
The reviewers saying this storyline is “complex,” is a synonym for “all over the place,” and not in a good way. Although the pacing keeps you engaged, there are so many unnecessary scenes and strange gore that is both unsettling and frustrating. Promoted as a sports film, there is probably less than three minutes combined of actual play, and the “underdog” story has no one to root for. Marty is selfish throughout and finds himself in scenes filled with gun warfare and body horror to both animals and humans. Although some may argue there is character development at the end of the film as he is faced with raising and being present for his new baby, he still was not a character worth rooting for in my eyes. The final scene seems like a moment of burden reflection for Marty rather than excitement.
Pro:
This film is nowhere near a basic underdog sports movie; it’s actually an intense look into how chasing a lifelong dream can isolate you from the people who matter most. The film is a perfect balance of fast-paced table tennis matches with in-depth learning lessons and heavy emotional scenes, like the pressure of unexpected responsibility, such as Rachel’s pregnancy. While Marty is messy and makes countless selfish mistakes, his path to athletic greatness is met with a powerful emotional kickback, demonstrating that real victory isn’t simply about winning a match, but is centered around growth, accountability and learning what truly matters in life.
Cinematography:
Anti:
The cinematography of the film is sub-par, and the color complexion made the shallow scenes easy to look at. There were even moments where the lens was dirty, fully immersing the audience in the grit of Marty’s journey. Each shot was extremely clear and intentional, and had me focusing on character details I would have missed without, like Marty’s acne that was prosthetically put onto Chalamet. But if you’re watching on a home television, I can’t guarantee that the cinematography will make up for the film’s lack of meaning.
Pro:
Visually, the movie is stunning in a unique way. Shot on 35 millimeter film, it gives 1950s Manhattan a raw, gritty and vibrant type of energy that does a thorough job at placing the spectator into the era. Legendary cinematographer Darius Khondji uses a jittery, hyperkinetic camera style that’s able to move back-and-forth tracking the ping-pong balls being crushed across the table, making scenes feel electric and keeping viewers glued to the edge of their seats. The blend of bold camera work, rapid quick editing and 1980s pop and synth-pop hits creates a unique type of energy that makes every scene thrilling, while still immersing filmgoers into the setting and keeping the main messages bold.
Overall Rating:
Anti (Cora Champommier): 1.5 stars
Pro (Reed Grossman): 4 stars
