Marty Supreme centers an anti-hero and his wild adventures

Co-dependency can be a blessing in certain instances, spurring people to socialize, connect with others on a deeper level and learn empathy. However, when driven, talented people become co-dependent, their addiction to success can lead them to use it to manipulate others and become an imposition. Some people have no problem asking however many favors they have to ask, and even when told “no” will circumvent the rules and possibly put others in harm’s way. Best Picture nominee Marty Supreme tells the story of just such a character.

Marty Mauser (Timothee Chalamet), a hot shot table tennis player, dreams of competing in the World Championships. While some of his obstacles are practical, like lacking the money and resources to support himself, the biggest factor standing in his way is his abrasive personality. He talks a big game and makes impulsive decisions, and while that leads to him getting noticed and revered, it also costs him opportunities at every turn. He behaves like a swindler for much of the movie, bluffing and conning his way into the lives of others more privileged than him. For instance, while eating at a restaurant, he uses his waiter to get the attention of wealthy businessman, Milton Rockwell (Kevin O’Leary), sitting at an adjacent table by offering to pay for his group’s dinner. Knowing that Rockwell will be insulted by the notion and confront him, he uses the opportunity to make an impression by putting his massive ego on display, bragging about his own table tennis abilities and even throwing his dinner mate under the bus. 

As with many anti-hero character types, Marty’s redeeming quality is his talent; he is every bit as good at table tennis as he says he is. While his charisma and arrogance does not win over everybody, his athletic prowess charms many of the people put off by him. Though table tennis can be dizzying, his flashy play style makes for some intense and also humorous scenes, in part a product of Chalamet’s tireless work off screen. Still though, when the games end, his hubris gets in the way. He is too stubborn to accept a lucrative business opportunity from Rockwell that would require him to lose a tennis table exhibition. He later insults Rockwell’s wife, Kay Stone (Gwyneth Paltrow), a famous actress, by questioning some of her life choices. In addition to these flubs, he consistently imposes on his friends’ lives, asking for absurd and sometimes dangerous favors when they have any means to help him. His entitlement is summed up in one quote to Stone: “I live with the confidence that I believe in myself and money will follow.” 

Fittingly, the movie opens with Marty’s shoe salesman job effectively coming to an end, setting the stage for his destabilized lifestyle. Marty gets himself into and out of trouble repeatedly, and while most of it stems from selfishness, some of it does come from a place of love. His fling, Rachel (Odessa A'zion), winds up in her own share of misfortune, and the two beg, borrow and steal their way through several mishaps. He frequently comes to her aid and protects her however he can. Similarly, he shares affection for his friends Wally (Tyler, the Creator) and Dion (Luke Manley), and in brief exchanges with the managers at his table tennis dojo, they have a clear-cut affinity for him. Marty is not heartless by any means, but his focus on a singular mission amplifies his co-dependency.

The two prevailing questions as the audience watches Marty traverse his many side quests are will he accomplish his mission and will he ever be humbled. His setbacks may or may not lead him right back to some of the people that he wronged, and either his dreams will die or he will have to swallow his pride. Ultimately, the film ends in a hopeful place, with the belief that there is hope for him to be a better person.

Many will compare Marty Supreme to Uncut Gems due to its frantic pace and the centering of an anti-hero with a chaotic lifestyle (not to mention a captivating soundtrack). While it is undoubtedly the easiest comparison, another film to throw out would be 2002 Leonardo DiCaprio hit Catch Me if You Can. DiCaprio plays Frank Abagnale, Jr., a skilled con man who keeps escaping trouble. Both his and Marty’s character are loosely based on real-life people, and some would say the start to Chalamet’s accomplished acting career has him on a similar trajectory to the fellow A-lister, as both are nominated for Best Actor. Marty Supreme delivers on thrills and several top-tier performances, making it a more than worthy Best Picture nominee.