Josh Safdie's film "Marty Supreme," starring Timothée Chalamet as a 1950s aspiring table-tennis champion, details the character's pursuit of his ambitions through various financial and personal challenges. The film has recently achieved significant box office milestones, supported by an extensive marketing campaign in which Chalamet actively participated. Chalamet also received a Golden Globe award for his role in the musical/comedy category.
Film Overview
"Marty Supreme," directed by Josh Safdie, features Timothée Chalamet in the lead role of Marty Mauser. Mauser is portrayed as a 23-year-old shoe salesman in 1952 New York, driven by the ambition to become the world's leading table-tennis player. Chalamet has previously received two Oscar nominations, including one for his performance in "A Complete Unknown."
The character of Marty Mauser is loosely inspired by real-life table-tennis professional Marty Reisman. The film's narrative and character development align with the style of Safdie's prior works. Set in postwar Manhattan, the period environment, including game rooms and apartments, was designed by production designer Jack Fisk. Josh Safdie co-wrote and co-edited the film with Ronald Bronstein.
Plot and Thematic Elements
Marty Mauser's goal of competing in international table-tennis championships in London and Tokyo is depicted as being hindered by financial constraints. To overcome these obstacles, Marty is shown resorting to borrowing, stealing, cheating, and hustling. The narrative chronicles Marty's frequent need to evade consequences and manage multiple schemes affecting friends and family.
Key thematic elements of "Marty Supreme" relate to the post-World War II era. A scene in the film features Marty declaring himself "Hitler's worst nightmare." The film culminates in a table-tennis match between Marty, identified as a Jewish player, and a Japanese competitor. A subplot involves Marty's close friend Rachel, portrayed by Odessa A'zion, who is pregnant with his child and becomes involved in his deceptions. The characterization of Marty Mauser has led to discussions among audiences regarding his conduct and motivations.
Principal Cast
The cast of "Marty Supreme" includes:
- Gwyneth Paltrow as Kay Stone, a former movie star with whom Marty develops a romantic relationship during his trip to London.
- Kevin O'Leary as Milton Rockwell, Kay Stone's husband, whom Marty attempts to defraud.
- Abel Ferrara as a mobster.
- Koto Kawaguchi, a real-life table-tennis champion, as a Japanese competitor.
- Géza Röhrig as Bela Kletzki, a friend of Marty's who is a table-tennis champion and an Auschwitz survivor; Kletzki's experiences are depicted through a flashback sequence.
Marketing Campaign
Timothée Chalamet was actively involved in the marketing campaign for "Marty Supreme," presenting his strategies to A24 executives, which he described as an "intentional, relentless, aggressive" approach. He advocated for an orange-themed campaign, referencing the orange ping-pong balls used in the film, specifying a "corroded, falling apart and rusted" orange hue.
Marketing initiatives included:
- Suggestions for using orange blimps labeled "Marty Supreme…dream big" and distributing branded ping-pong balls at events.
- A previously released Zoom meeting that discussed these marketing concepts was later disclosed as a satirical, scripted stunt designed to generate viral engagement. This stunt was noted for highlighting an actor's potential influence in film promotion when granted creative freedom, with comparisons drawn to Ryan Reynolds' involvement in "Deadpool" marketing.
- Chalamet's final promotional event before the film's release involved scaling and standing atop The Sphere in Las Vegas, which was transformed into a giant orange ping-pong ball for the film's promotion.
Box Office Performance
"Marty Supreme" has achieved several box office milestones since its release. The film recorded an estimated domestic cumulative gross of $72.27 million, surpassing the domestic performance of "One Battle After Another."
Projections indicate that "Marty Supreme" may become A24's highest-grossing film domestically, potentially exceeding "Everything Everywhere All At Once" ($77.2 million). Globally, the film is expected to surpass Chalamet's previous original film, "A Complete Unknown," to become his highest-grossing original film worldwide.
International rollout is ongoing, with early returns approaching $10 million from several markets. This includes a record-setting $8.4 million in the U.K. for an A24 production. Box office experts have forecasted a global total ranging between $170 million and $180 million, with potential for higher figures.
Industry Recognition
Timothée Chalamet recently secured his first Golden Globe award for best actor in the musical/comedy category for his role in "Marty Supreme." Industry experts anticipate that this award will contribute to an increase in the film's box office performance as the period for Oscar nominations approaches.