What's happened
Timothée Chalamet's new film 'Marty Supreme' features a controversial scene where he refuses a butt double and is spanked by Kevin O’Leary. The scene, shot over hours, is pivotal in the film's narrative and has garnered Oscar buzz, with nominations including Best Actor for Chalamet.
What's behind the headline?
The scene's intensity underscores the film's commitment to realism and shock value, likely aiming to generate buzz and critical attention. The choice to depict a humiliating scene involving Chalamet, who is known for his unconventional roles, signals a deliberate effort to challenge audience expectations and push boundaries in contemporary cinema. The scene's lengthy filming process and multiple takes suggest a focus on authenticity, which may resonate with critics seeking raw, unfiltered storytelling. This approach could position 'Marty Supreme' as a provocative contender during awards season, especially given its Golden Globe nominations. However, the scene also risks overshadowing the film's narrative, potentially alienating viewers uncomfortable with its explicitness. Overall, the scene exemplifies a trend toward more visceral, boundary-pushing content in independent film, which could influence future productions to embrace more daring storytelling techniques.
What the papers say
The NY Post reports that Timothée Chalamet refused a fake paddle and was genuinely spanked by Kevin O’Leary during filming, with the scene taking hours to shoot and involving 40 takes. The film has received Golden Globe nominations, including Best Actor for Chalamet, and is generating Oscar buzz. Business Insider UK provides background on the film's inspiration, based on the life of Marty Reisman, a legendary table tennis hustler and entertainer. The article details Reisman's colorful career, his antics, and his influence on the film's portrayal of hustling and humiliation. NY Post's Michael Kaplan highlights how the film's authenticity was driven by director Josh Safdie's interest in the subculture of table tennis, inspired by Reisman's memoir, 'The Money Player.' The articles contrast the film's provocative scenes with its homage to Reisman's flamboyant life, emphasizing the blend of real-life hustle and cinematic daring.
How we got here
The film 'Marty Supreme' is inspired by the life of 1950s table tennis champion Marty Reisman, known for his flamboyant style and hustling. The movie explores themes of humiliation and perseverance, drawing on Reisman's real-life antics and career, which included international hustling and entertainment with the Harlem Globetrotters.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Timothée Hal Chalamet is an American actor. He began his acting career in short films, before appearing in the television drama series Homeland in 2012.
-
Gwyneth Kate Paltrow is an American actress, businesswoman and author. She has received numerous accolades for her work, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award.