Timothée Chalamet is stirring up quite a buzz as he aims for an Oscar, but is his campaign just a bit too playful?
Could the film Marty Supreme be the pivotal moment for Chalamet to clinch that coveted Academy Award?
Typically, when we mention someone being "due" for an Oscar, it usually stems from a long and illustrious career filled with remarkable performances in films that were practically begging for recognition. Take Glenn Close, for instance, who has earned her place among the Academy's all-time greats as a perennial nominee. With her first nomination back in 1983 for Best Supporting Actress for her outstanding role in The World According to Garp, she faced off against Jessica Lange, who took home the statue for Tootsie.
Close has been nominated a staggering eight times since then, with her last nomination for Hillbilly Elegy. However, many argue that her portrayal of the cunning Marquise de Merteuil in Dangerous Liaisons was her most Oscar-deserving performance, yet that honor went to Jodie Foster for The Accused instead. The only other actor with as many near misses as Close is the late Peter O'Toole, who, although not with us anymore, received an honorary Oscar in 2002 for his contributions to cinema.
Hence, it seems almost absurd to place Chalamet in such esteemed company, especially considering he just celebrated his 30th birthday. The Oscars have historically favored seasoned actors over younger talents; for example, Leonardo DiCaprio was 41 when he finally won for The Revenant after five past nominations. The only male actor younger than Chalamet to have won an Oscar is Adrien Brody, who took home the award at the age of 29 for his role in The Piano.
In fact, Chalamet might consider himself fortunate. This marks his third nomination in quick succession, having been previously recognized for Call Me By Your Name in 2018 and last year's less-than-stellar A Complete Unknown, a biopic about Bob Dylan.
So, does Marty Supreme stand out as Chalamet's best chance yet?
This film is an exhilarating yet painful rollercoaster ride, following Chalamet's character, Marty Mauser, a bespectacled shoe salesman, as he navigates through chaotic situations reminiscent of hellhounds chasing him. But does he truly deserve the chaos that ensues?
Set in 1952, we are introduced to this chatty schemer in a gritty area of New York City that hasn’t yet enjoyed the benefits of the post-World War II economic boom. He’s a jittery hustler, working in his uncle's shoe store, but he has grander plans. His sole ambition is to gather enough pennies to escape to London where he hopes to compete in the World Table Tennis Championship.
Marty's relentless drive leads him to gamble, steal, cheat, and engage in street brawls while evading all sorts of threats, including angry husbands, gangsters, police officers, robbers, and even collapsing bathrooms. Additionally, he continually brushes off his overly attached mother, played briefly by Fran Drescher of The Nanny, leaving her heartbroken in his childhood bedroom.
Marty and the film both progress at a breakneck speed, never pausing for anyone.
In an analogy reminiscent of The Odyssey, this fast-paced comedy hops from one wildly inventive calamity to another. Odessa A'zion, known for her role in Hellraiser, plays the role of our Penelope. Marty briefly engages in a romance with her character, Rachel, only to repeatedly abandon her, despite her unwavering support for his increasingly outrageous money-making schemes.
He also drags his friend Wally, played by Tyler Okonma (better known as rapper Tyler, The Creator), into his frantic endeavors, often leaving Wally's taxi business in shambles as they chase Marty’s dreams of London.
Directed by Josh Safdie, one half of the creative duo responsible for the intense Uncut Gems, Marty Supreme is co-written by Ronald Bronstein, who collaborated on that film with his partner, Mary Bronstein, director of If I Had Legs I'd Kick You. This team sets the stage for an adrenaline-pumping experience.
Marty's fierce determination faces a significant obstacle in London when he encounters Koto Endo, portrayed by actual ping pong player Koto Kawaguchi. He also runs afoul of the sport's governing body, particularly a disdainful official played by Pico Iyer, who imposes a hefty fine on Marty, jeopardizing his chances for a rematch in Tokyo.
In a bid to salvage his situation, Marty attempts to woo Kay Stone, a washed-up Hollywood star now performing off-off-off-Broadway. While it’s clear he has ulterior motives for pursuing her wealth, the undeniable chemistry between Chalamet and Gwyneth Paltrow injects a delightful spark into the narrative. If Paltrow embodies the voice of reason amidst Marty's antics, then her sharp-tongued husband, Milton—played by Kevin O'Leary from Shark Tank—serves as the antagonist, firmly reminding Marty of his place.
While Chalamet may not reach the emotional depth he showcased in Call Me By Your Name, he is buoyed by a stellar ensemble cast. Much like a ping pong ball, Marty Supreme propels its audience through a whirlwind of humor and excitement. Whether it's Oscar-worthy or not, you’ll undoubtedly leave the theater with a big smile on your face.
Marty Supreme is currently showing in Australian cinemas.
