Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme: Costume Perfection Down to the Last Detail

Josh Safdie’s latest film, Marty Supreme, doesn’t just ramp up the tension—it’s a visual treat, thanks to a sharp focus on wardrobe and set design. Costume designer Miyako Bellizzi shared that Safdie was determined to nail the look and feel of 1950s Jewish immigrant fashion, right down to the smallest details. She and Safdie pored over a Ken Jacobs documentary to get the vibe just right, making sure even the undergarments matched the era.

Chalamet’s Transformation: From Suits to Specs

Timothée Chalamet, who steps into the shoes of Marty Mauser, had to embody the style from head to toe. Bellizzi explained that every piece, from the overcoats to the tights, was chosen to reflect the period. Chalamet himself credited Safdie for the transformation, saying the director’s eye for detail changed his whole approach to the role. He mentioned:

That was all at Josh’s discretion; the amazing eye for detail he had, he just wanted to paint a portrait of a man on the Lower East Side in the ’50s at a time when self-care was different, to put it in modern terms. And as far as the glasses go, where I was wearing -6.5 prescription contacts to offset what the actual lenses and glasses were doing, he wanted from a performance perspective to impair me, so it can feel like I was living in a fishbowl, and see what that did to me in my body and my spirit as a human but equally to the audience, to the visual effect that I had on camera, to show a guy who’s living a life as an outsider, and a life of impairment.

Distinctive Style Meets High-Stakes Storytelling

Chalamet’s look, paired with his performance as a ping pong whiz, sets Marty apart from the crowd. Safdie’s vision for the character’s appearance wasn’t just about looking the part—it was about making the audience feel the character’s outsider status. The glasses, the clothes, even the way Chalamet moved, all played into this sense of being on the edge.

Safdie’s knack for building tension, familiar to anyone who’s seen Uncut Gems, is on full display here. Marty’s constant hustling—gambling, scheming, and pushing his luck—keeps the stakes high. Just when you reckon things might settle, the story yanks you back into the thick of it, making for a film that’s as gripping as it is stylish.

Behind the Scenes: Cast, Reception, and Box Office

The film features a strong line-up, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Tyler the Creator, Odessa A’zion, and Kevin O’Leary. It’s been a hit with critics and punters alike, scoring 95% and 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, and an 8.3 out of 10 on IMDb. At the box office, it’s pulled in $19.4 million, not bad for a film that leans into its unique style and storytelling.

Marty Supreme is now showing in cinemas across the US, drawing in locals keen to see what all the fuss is about. Whether it’s the costumes, the tension, or Chalamet’s performance, there’s plenty for film fans to sink their teeth into.