UPDATE: The highly anticipated film Marty Supreme, featuring Jewish Hollywood star Timothée Chalamet, is set to hit theaters on December 26, 2023, and is already making waves as a frontrunner for the Oscars. Inspired by legendary table tennis player Marty Reisman, the movie highlights the remarkable achievements of Jewish athletes in the sport of ping-pong.
This urgent news comes as audiences eagerly await the film’s release, which portrays Reisman’s incredible journey from a hustler in Manhattan to becoming a two-time US Men’s singles champion in 1958 and 1960. Known as “The Needle” for his slender frame and sharp wit, Reisman amassed an impressive total of 22 major table tennis titles throughout his career, including victories at the United States Open and the English Open in 1949.
Directed by Josh Safdie, who co-wrote the script with Ronald Bronstein, Marty Supreme draws from Reisman’s life story, showcasing the passion and talent that have defined Jewish contributions to ping-pong. Safdie’s childhood memories of watching eccentric Jewish immigrant characters play the game at his grandparents’ house sparked the film’s concept when his wife, Sara Rossein, discovered Reisman’s autobiography in 2018.
Chalamet’s dedication to the role is evident, as he underwent extensive training to embody a professional ping-pong player. According to cinematographer Darius Khondji, the actor engaged in “months and months” of preparation to ensure authenticity on screen. “He wanted to be like a real professional ping-pong player when he started shooting,” Khondji shared, emphasizing the need for a strong foundation despite potential camera tricks.
Reisman, who passed away in 2012, is celebrated as one of the greatest table tennis players of all time, but the legacy of Jewish athletes in the sport extends far beyond his achievements. Historical records reveal that prior to World War II, Hungary’s top teams were predominantly Jewish, with champions like Viktor Barna leading the Hungarian national team to eight world championships between 1927 and 1935.
The sport has also seen remarkable figures such as Richard Bergmann, a seven-time World Champion who escaped Nazi Germany and competed for England, and Polish player Alojzy Ehrlich, a Holocaust survivor recognized for his contributions to the game.
Today, table tennis remains a sport where agility and strategy often outshine physical strength, making it accessible to players of all ages and backgrounds. Howard Jacobson, who describes the game as “a sort of chess in shorts,” highlights its appeal to the Jewish imagination, a sentiment that resonates in contemporary narratives like Chalamet’s portrayal in Marty Supreme.
As the film gears up for its release, it promises not only to celebrate the legacy of a ping-pong titan but also to inspire a new generation of players. The film is sure to reignite interest in a sport that combines skill, mental acuity, and cultural heritage, potentially encouraging more young athletes to take up the game.
With Marty Supreme hitting theaters soon, audiences worldwide are encouraged to witness this dynamic portrayal of resilience, talent, and the love of ping-pong. As the film garners accolades, it will be fascinating to see if it motivates more individuals to engage with the sport, which has seen champions like Estee Ackerman, an Orthodox table tennis star, rise to prominence in recent years.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the captivating journey from the ping-pong table to the silver screen when Marty Supreme releases on December 26.
