UPDATE: The highly anticipated film Marty Supreme, starring Timothée Chalamet, is set to hit cinemas on December 26, 2023, and is already generating Oscar buzz. The movie pays tribute to the legendary Jewish table tennis champion Marty Reisman, reigniting interest in a sport where Jewish athletes have excelled for decades.
Chalamet portrays Marty Mauser, a character inspired by Reisman, who won 22 major table tennis titles throughout his career, including the 1958 and 1960 US Men’s singles championships. Reisman, known as “The Needle,” was not only a champion but a cultural icon, playing against stars like Dustin Hoffman and Susan Sarandon. His legacy lives on, and the new film shines a spotlight on the rich history of Jewish athletes in table tennis.
Director and co-writer Josh Safdie, alongside Ronald Bronstein, has personal ties to the sport, having witnessed “eccentric Jewish immigrant Lower East Side characters” playing table tennis as a child. The inspiration for the film sparked when Safdie’s wife, Sara Rossein, brought home Reisman’s autobiography in 2018, leading to Chalamet’s intense training to authentically portray a professional player.
Cinematographer Darius Khondji noted Chalamet’s dedication, stating he underwent “months and months” of preparation to ensure the actor could genuinely embody the sport. The film features real ping-pong champions, enhancing its authenticity.
Historically, Jews have dominated table tennis long before Reisman’s time. Pre-World War II, Hungary’s top teams were primarily Jewish, achieving eight world championships between 1927 and 1935. Iconic players like Viktor Barna and Richard Bergmann, who won seven World Championship titles, paved the way for future generations.
The emotional impact of the sport is profound. The tale of Estee Ackerman, an Orthodox table tennis prodigy from Long Island, exemplifies this. After skipping the finals of the 2012 US National Ping Pong Championships due to Shabbat, she returned the following year to win gold. Her story is celebrated in the children’s book Ping-Pong Shabbat, inspiring young athletes today.
As Marty Supreme prepares for its release, questions arise about the film’s potential to inspire a new generation to engage with table tennis. This sport, often described as “chess in shorts” by novelist Howard Jacobson, combines strategy and agility, making it accessible to players of all ages.
With its release imminent, the film not only honors a sports legend but also highlights the enduring success of Jewish athletes in table tennis. As audiences flock to theaters, the hope is that this cinematic tribute will spark renewed interest in a game that merges intellect with physical prowess.
Stay tuned for more updates as Marty Supreme takes the spotlight on the big screen.
