URGENT UPDATE: Hollywood star Timothée Chalamet is set to dominate the cinematic landscape with his role in the upcoming film Marty Supreme, launching in theaters on December 26, 2023. Inspired by the life of legendary table tennis player Marty Reisman, the film is already generating Oscar buzz and reigniting interest in the sport.
Chalamet portrays Marty Mauser, a character based on Reisman, who is celebrated for his remarkable achievements in table tennis. Known as “The Needle,” Reisman earned 22 major table tennis titles, including two US Men’s singles championships in 1958 and 1960. He famously played against stars like Dustin Hoffman and Susan Sarandon, showcasing his talent on and off the table.
Film director Josh Safdie has a personal connection to the sport, influenced by childhood memories of watching “eccentric Jewish immigrant Lower East Side characters” play table tennis. The project gained momentum in 2018 when Safdie’s wife, Sara Rossein, brought home Reisman’s autobiography, sparking the film’s creation.
Chalamet underwent rigorous training to embody a professional player, spending “months and months” developing his skills, according to cinematographer Darius Khondji. This commitment is crucial, as Khondji emphasized the need for authenticity, stating, “you need to have a core.” The film features renowned ping-pong champions, enhancing its credibility and excitement.
Marty Reisman, who passed away in 2012, is often regarded as one of the greatest players in table tennis history. However, the Jewish legacy in the sport stretches back much further. Before WWII, Hungary’s top teams were predominantly Jewish, with players like Viktor Barna and Miklos Szabados leading the charge to eight world championships between 1927 and 1935. The Austrian team, comprised mainly of Jewish players, was their only competitor.
The sport’s rich history includes figures such as Richard Bergmann, who won seven World Championship titles and later competed for England after fleeing Austria. Many Jewish players were survivors of the Holocaust, showcasing resilience through their sportsmanship.
Table tennis, often described as “chess in shorts” by novelist Howard Jacobson, is a game that values strategy and agility over physical strength. This accessibility has allowed players of all backgrounds, including women, to thrive. The sport’s appeal continues today, with inspiring stories like that of Estee Ackerman, an Orthodox champion who won gold at the US National Ping Pong Championships after sitting out a final due to Shabbat observance.
As Marty Supreme hits theaters, it may inspire a new generation to engage with table tennis. With starter kits available from around £10, the sport could see a resurgence within the Jewish community and beyond. As awards season approaches, the film’s impact on the game and its players will be closely watched.
Stay tuned for further updates as Marty Supreme prepares to take the big screen by storm this December. The film promises not only to entertain but also to celebrate the rich history and contributions of Jewish athletes to table tennis.
