A dream that no one wants to entertain, something so out of the ordinary it gets disregarded amongst all the entertainment of the 50’s and 60’s: Ping pong. Marty Mauser is at the focal point of this objective to become the best, in all walks of life. He took shape as a renowned hustler and entertainer with his underground table tennis skills in the streets of New York.

He was recognized as “The Needle” for his quick wit and lanky build, capable of doing extraordinary things across the table. An almost flamboyant persona helped him lead acts for the Harlem Globetrotters. His SUPREME trick above all was splitting a cigarette in two from across the table.

A name like Marty Mauser alone, if you don’t have much knowledge about the ping pong scene or his vague association with American culture, could lead you to seek for answers about why there is a blockbuster movie releasing on Christmas day about him. Not to mention, it stars one of the most renowned actors of our time, Timothee Chalamet.

He started off as a shoe salesman living in the bustling Lower East side, evolving into a cocky and ambitious hustler dedicated to not just money, but also the validation of fame to escape his quite mundane life. Josh Safdie, the director of the film, aimed to take on fast paced and high stakes events following a protagonist taking on a selfish personality, a volatile path to the top creates a dynamic divided opinion for the audience.

Marty Supreme explores a theme of desire and admiration for the pursuit of greatness that creates chaotic energy, like a previous Safdie film “Uncut Gems.” Using the niche world of table tennis to encapsulate the broader picture of a conquest for the American dream along with the folly of youth will leave theatergoers wanting more.