"Watching Marty Supreme is like being trapped in a never-ending nightmare from which you can't wake up. The film's protagonist, Timothée Chalamet's Marty Mauser, is a deeply unpleasant character whose narcissism and self-absorption are suffocating. As the movie unfolds, we're taken on an episodic journey into Marty's world of professional ping pong, where he navigates a high-stakes landscape of glamorous stars, ruthless gangsters, and shotgun-toting farmers.
Director Josh Safdie's technical brilliance is on full display here, crafting a film that feels like a claustrophobic puzzle box. The movie is an exercise in emotional intensity, with Marty's inner turmoil radiating outwards like a toxic cloud. You'll be on edge from start to finish, unsure whether you're invested in Marty's quest for ping pong dominance or repelled by his obnoxiousness.
The film asks profound questions about the American dream and the emptiness that lies at its core. Is it possible to find meaning and connection in a world that seems determined to crush our spirits? Safdie leaves no easy answers, instead opting for an uncomfortable truth: we're all just trying to get by, even if it means sacrificing our own integrity along the way.
Despite (or perhaps because of) Marty's repellent nature, Chalamet gives a masterclass performance that's both captivating and unsettling. As the credits roll, you'll be left breathless and disturbed – not in a good way. Watching Marty Supreme is an experience you won't soon forget, but one that will leave you questioning your own values and moral compass.
Grade: A"
Director Josh Safdie's technical brilliance is on full display here, crafting a film that feels like a claustrophobic puzzle box. The movie is an exercise in emotional intensity, with Marty's inner turmoil radiating outwards like a toxic cloud. You'll be on edge from start to finish, unsure whether you're invested in Marty's quest for ping pong dominance or repelled by his obnoxiousness.
The film asks profound questions about the American dream and the emptiness that lies at its core. Is it possible to find meaning and connection in a world that seems determined to crush our spirits? Safdie leaves no easy answers, instead opting for an uncomfortable truth: we're all just trying to get by, even if it means sacrificing our own integrity along the way.
Despite (or perhaps because of) Marty's repellent nature, Chalamet gives a masterclass performance that's both captivating and unsettling. As the credits roll, you'll be left breathless and disturbed – not in a good way. Watching Marty Supreme is an experience you won't soon forget, but one that will leave you questioning your own values and moral compass.
Grade: A"