Based on the life and career of table tennis player Marty Reisman, filmmaker Josh Safdie has developed a film that feels true to his style, given the level of stress and tension he is known for in his movies. The result is a captivating and entertaining experience that is one-of-a-kind for this year, but feels somewhat familiar, given Safdie’s body of work so far. Nevertheless, Safdie’s approach works for his protagonist. And Timothee Chalamet’s tremendous performance definitely helps sell Safdie’s vision.
Chalamet stars as the titular Marty Supreme, a table tennis player and a bit of a con man who craves to rise in the ranks of his sport but is also struggling to achieve notoriety and success while sweet-talking his way into the major leagues. Along the way, Marty discovers he is an expectant father, yet remains undaunted in his quest for the respect and success he feels he deserves.
I went into this movie with some reservations, but ultimately was charmed by the protagonist and characters that enrich this highly enjoyable and often riveting story. While Safdie does an exceptional job of setting up and delivering this story, it is Chalamet who shines so brightly with fervour and enthusiasm, making it rather difficult to hitch on the Marty Supreme train. The audience does get to see the weaknesses and shortcomings of Marty, but we also enjoy what makes his character so magnetic and likable. Chalamet does an exceptional job of balancing these likable qualities with the character’s flaws, making him more relatable.
Safdie and Chalamet want Marty to succeed in some way, and this sentiment resonates throughout the film, as it does for me. I truly believe that fans of Josh Safdie’s previous movies will also enjoy this movie. Safdie has a way of immersing his audiences in the immediacy of situations and the tensions that can arise in these moments. And that is what makes whatever success his characters achieve so satisfying. Marty Supreme may not be a true champion, but it is satisfying to see him achieve some level of success.