Rotten Tomatoes Scores 96%... Timothy Chalamet's 'Marty Supreme', A24's Biggest Budget Ever, Not Wasted on 'The Best Performance of the 21st Century'

Timothy Chalamet's ping pong paddle has torn through the screen. A24's largest project ever, 'Marty Supreme', produced with great ambition, has become the most talked-about film of this winter, receiving near-unanimous praise from critics.

According to the film review site Rotten Tomatoes on the 2nd (local time), 'Marty Supreme', set to be released on Christmas Day, the 25th, is currently holding a freshness score of 96%. This is the second highest score for a live-action film in Chalamet's filmography, following 'Lady Bird' (99%).

◆ "A Defining Moment in Chalamet's Career"... IndieWire and Variety Praise

Directed by Josh Safdie, this film is set in 1950s New York and tells the story of a fictional character 'Marty Mozer', inspired by the legendary ping pong champion Marty Reisman.

Local critics have paid tribute to Chalamet's transformation. David Ehrlich of IndieWire praised it as "one of the greatest film performances of the 21st century," while Variety described it as "a career-defining performance for Timothy Chalamet."

◆ 7 Years of Sweat... Practicing Ping Pong While Filming 'Wonka'

Such praise is thanks to Chalamet's relentless effort. He has dedicated nearly 7 years to ping pong training since 2018. According to insiders, he has been carrying a portable ping pong table to blockbuster filming locations like 'Dune: Part 2' and 'Wonka' to hone his skills in his spare time.

The film's visuals are also overwhelming. Renowned cinematographer Darius Khondji used 35mm film and vintage anamorphic lenses to perfectly capture the gritty texture of 1950s New York. Additionally, Gwyneth Paltrow's return to the screen and rapper Tyler, the Creator's bold acting transformation add richness to the film.

◆ A24's $70 Million Gamble Paid Off

'Marty Supreme' is a major production with the largest budget in A24's history, amounting to $60 million to $70 million (approximately 84 billion to 98 billion won). There were concerns about A24, known for indie films, spending blockbuster-level budgets, but the initial reactions indicate that it was "worth the money."

Chalamet's marketing ideas have also become a hot topic. An orange blimp of 'Marty Supreme' has been flying over the skies across the United States, and limited edition jackets in collaboration with fashion brand Nahmias have been gifted to celebrities like Tom Brady, creating a viral effect.

The film will have a limited release in 70mm format in New York and LA on December 18, followed by a nationwide release on Christmas Day, December 25.