Why Timothée Chalamet’s Marty Mauser divides audiences in Marty Supreme

In the new hit movie Marty Supreme, the plot is driven by lead character Marty Mauser repeatedly making messes that escalate rather than being fixed, and audiences are invited to like him in large part because he is played by Timothée Chalamet. Marty is trying to prove himself the world’s greatest table‑tennis champion to escape his meagre mid‑century New York City circumstances, seemingly from desire for achievement more than love of the sport.

Across the film his misdeeds intensify: he cajoles then lies, turns a pushy money request into theft and later armed robbery, and a ping‑pong hustle at a New Jersey bowling alley literally blows up into a gas‑station fire. As Marty Supreme found a sizable audience, Chalamet’s charm became a sticking point: YouTube and TikTok videos have asked why viewers should follow a near‑sociopathic character, and publications such as Variety have weighed in.

Critics have noted a gendered element to the debate — likability questions have long attended awards contenders, but it feels unusual that they are being applied so forcefully to a male lead — and commentators have compared the situation to past debates around stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, whose portrayals in films like The Wolf of Wall Street prompted similar concerns about glorifying criminals.

The piece also links some reactions to Chalamet’s appearance and promotional persona.

Key Topics

Culture, Timothée Chalamet, Marty Supreme, Marty Mauser, New York City, New Jersey