Director’s Authority on Set Stuns Kevin O’Leary in Marty Supreme

Josh Safdie’s latest film, Marty Supreme, has thrown Timothée Chalamet into the spotlight, but it’s also seen Kevin O’Leary, best known for his sharp business moves on Shark Tank, making waves with his acting debut. O’Leary, often called Mr Wonderful, took on the role of Milton Rockwell in this ping pong drama. For a bloke used to being the boss, stepping onto a film set proved to be a real eye-opener.

I learned my lesson that film sets are not democracies. I’m not used to being told what to do. I do the telling.

After decades of calling the shots, O’Leary found himself in unfamiliar territory, working as just another member of the crew. The experience clearly left its mark on the seasoned investor, who’s more at home running the show than taking orders.

Hierarchy on Set: O’Leary’s Wake-Up Call

Filmmaking isn’t always a walk in the park, especially when you’re working with a director like Safdie, who’s known for chasing perfection. O’Leary got a taste of this relentless pursuit during his time on set.

He recalled a moment where they shot the same scene more than 20 times. Thinking they’d nailed it, O’Leary suggested moving on, but Safdie quickly set him straight.

We shot something 20 times and I said to Josh, ‘OK, I think we got it. We can move on.’ He said, ‘What the f*ck are you talking about? There’s no moving on until I say we’re moving on.

It’s a reminder that, while everyone chips in, the director’s word is final. The set isn’t a democracy – it’s more like a well-organised hierarchy, with the director steering the ship.

Chalamet’s Dedication and a Memorable Scene

O’Leary might not have been in charge, but he did get to deliver a memorable moment on screen, dishing out a paddling to Chalamet’s character in what he called a “pivotal scene of humiliation”.

Chalamet, who’s been front and centre during the film’s promo run, refused to use a stunt double for the scene. When the prop paddle broke, O’Leary had to use a real one, and Chalamet insisted on doing the scene himself.

When it came time to whack him, there was a stunt a**. There was a double,” [Chalamet] wouldn’t do it. He said he’ll do it himself. He didn’t want some other ass immortalised. Josh was saying, ‘You’ve got to wind up harder’. I was really whacking him.

Chalamet’s commitment is paying off. He’s picked up the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Actor, and the film has already pulled in over $56 million at the local box office. With an Oscar campaign in the works, it’s shaping up to be a record-breaker for A24 in Australia.

Box Office and Audience Response

Marty Supreme has scored a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 83% audience score, with punters flocking to see it in cinemas. The film’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the cast and crew, and it’s clear that both Chalamet and O’Leary have left their mark.

The film is currently screening in cinemas across the country, and locals are keen to see what all the fuss is about.