We all saw the promotions before Christmas about the new movie by A24. Whether it was Timothée Chalamet on a sphere in Las Vegas, on a random Zoom meeting choosing the correct shade or orange, or wearing the jackets made with the movie title on them: everyone heard or saw the name “Marty Supreme.” But alongside all these crazy promotions and stunts there were many questions they posed. Who is Marty Supreme? What even is this movie about? What is so special about table tennis? Why are we being told to dream big? I hope to clear up some of your confusion and even give you a small lesson on who Marty Supreme was loosely based on.

Marty Reisman is the “true” Marty Supreme. Born February 1st, 1930, in Manhattan, son to a taxi driver and waitress, Reisman primarily grew up with his father who would teach him how to hustle his way to success. Finding relief in table tennis, he used his skills as an escape and an easy way to make a few cents. Around this time, specifically in New York City, many viewed table tennis as a way to gamble money. Reisman’s life and mannerisms were displayed on the big screen bringing to light his life’s accomplishments. But, who dreams of being the best table tennis player? Looking back at his match in the 1949 English Open against Victor Barna, his flare and body language demonstrates his skills while putting on a show to those watching. According to a documentary about Marty Reisman by Leo Leigh (Fact or Fiction: The Life and Times of a Ping Pong Hustler), he mentions that the game was an escape for Reisman from the anxiety that took him over as a kid and as an adult. This same comfort prompted him to make it his life’s goal to become one of the best.

But eventually, Reisman’s ability and passion for table tennis wore off, and he retired from the sport at age 67. As a final goodbye, he purchased an indoor tennis club, bringing table tennis to the Upper West Side of New York. Reisman passed away at age 82 in 2012, leaving behind a legacy and a series of wins in what was seen (and what many may argue still is) as an inglorious pastime.

So why did we get a whole movie out of this guy? Director Josh Safdie shared with NPR that he himself had a deep connection to both the sport and Reisman. “Well, you know, I grew up playing a lot with my dad throughout the boroughs, and that was a foundation for my interest in the sport” (Parks 2025). When watching the movie you can sense the director and Reisman’s interconnected love for table tennis. Being born in New York as well, you can tell how much Safdie relates to Reisman’s background and struggles. Safdie’s movie loosely based on Reisman allowed us viewers to understand why these legends or players leave a mark of destruction as they work their way to the top. Safdie’s perception of Reisman as “Marty Supreme” is to make the viewer understand why these destructive behaviors are necessary, making the movie engaging.

Additionally, Safdie incorporates parts of history into the setting and time of the movie, having it take place during the post World War II era that New York was once in. All these factors contributed to the hype that the movie received and even contributed to its 9 Academy Award nominations. While many disagree with these nominations and awards, it is hard to deny how Safdie and Chalamet making the character of Marty Mauser the one that you secretly root for despite how mad his actions make you.