The new Timothee Chalamet sports comedy-drama, Marty Supreme, is finally out in theaters. But audiences are wondering whether this is based on a true story.
The film has been receiving positive reviews from critics for the last several weeks, as it is being positioned to be one of the Best Picture contenders at the Oscars and a potential Best Actor win for Chalamet. Its early box office performance has also been strong, which is rare for an original movie in the theatrical business nowadays.
Is Marty Supreme Based on a True Story?
Marty Supreme is inspired by the story of the real table tennis champion of the 1950s, Marty Reisman. Chalamet's character in the film was changed to Marty Mauser.
Speaking with Variety, Steve Grant, publisher of Table Tennis History magazine, explained how Chalamet's character has similarities to the real-life inspiration.
"He was very good at marketing himself. That was his biggest skill. Of course, he was a very good player," he said.
Reisman's book The Money Player is a "great book about his career back in the ’50s, but don’t take everything in it as the word of truth. He liked to exaggerate things."
Director Josh Safdie came up with the idea for the movie after coming across an old copy of the book.
"When I read that the sport was filling stadiums in the U.K. and throughout Europe, I realized that it was entirely plausible for a kid in 1952 to actually believe he could parlay the game into a life of fame and glory," he revealed.
While the film took some liberty in its story, Reisman's colorful life was still a big influence, including his showmanship and antics, which audiences can also see in Chalamet's character when they watch it.
What is Marty Supreme About?
Marty Supreme explores the story of Marty Mauser, a young man with a dream no one respects, who goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness.
Aside from Chalamet, the cast includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin O'Leary, Odessa A’zion, Abel Ferrara, Tyler Okonma, Fran Drescher, Penn Jillette, Sandra Bernhard, and James Long.
The film had a wide release across North America last Christmas Day, December 25. It is reportedly A24's most expensive film to date, as it has a budget of $70 million. It already received Golden Globe nominations, including Best Picture - Musical or Comedy.
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