Review by AlenaKehm

If you’re looking for your next bout of whiplash, look no further than the newly released movie “Marty Supreme.” The film stars Timothee Chalamet as Marty Mauser, a narcissistic table tennis player fueled by unbridled ambition. 

Set in 1950s New York City, Mauser escapes his job in his uncle’s shoe shop and finds the funds to make it to London for the table tennis British Open. His problems begin when he is defeated in the championship by a deaf Japanese table tennis player named Koto Endo. Mauser’s dream of winning the British Open is crushed, and in the wake of World War II and of anti-Japanese sentiment in America, the loss stings even more. 

His trip across the Atlantic isn’t a total loss. While in London, Mauser meets wealthy businessman Milton Rockwell, played by Shark Tank’s Kevin “Mr. Wonderful” O’Leary, who Mauser does business with throughout the film. Mauser also becomes romantically involved with Rockwell’s wife, an ex-movie star named Kay Stone, played by Gwyneth Paltrow. 

When Marty returns to America, his troubles seem never ending. He is plagued by his own impulsive decision making, and battles homelessness, poverty and crime all while trying to make it to Tokyo to enter the table tennis world championships. 

It’s impossible to discuss “Marty Supreme” without acknowledging its excellent cinematography, captivating male lead, and star-studded supporting cast. Despite these positive characteristics, director Josh Safdie has failed this film. In a whopping two hours and 29 minutes of screen time, Safdie includes no real character development, and attempts to distract audiences from this fact with action packed scenes and dangling sub-plots. The film moves so fast and leaves viewers with so many unanswered questions that they’re unable to focus on deeper meaning. 

Safdie’s one attempt at character development comes in the last three minutes of the film. He tries to show Marty Mauser as a changed man because of his circumstances. However, because this development is presented so half-baked and last minute, Safdie fails to convince audiences that this is real change. It seems as though Mauser will go back to his same narcissistic impulsive ways as soon as it cuts to the credits. 

Although Chalamet and the cast present convincingly cinematic performances, the writers of “Marty Supreme” have fumbled when it comes to this film. 

With an extensive run-time, a cohesive plot and real character development should have been an easy task. Instead, “Marty Supreme” fails to live up to its must-see reputation and leaves audiences in the lurch.