Robert Downey Jr. recently delivered high praise for the new film Marty Supreme, describing it as a “decade-defining film” and commending its impact during an awards-season discussion. Speaking alongside Timothée Chalamet, star of the film, Downey emphasized the artistic significance and technical mastery he witnessed, underscoring why Robert Downey Jr Marty Supreme has captured critical attention.
Downey’s Enthusiastic Response to Marty Supreme
At a Director’s Guild Q&A, Robert Downey Jr. stood out with his intense and heartfelt enthusiasm, a contrast to the usually polished tone of seasoned contenders. The actor, known for his role in Oppenheimer, spoke vividly about his experience watching Marty Supreme. He called the film “mind-blowing” and reflected on the evolution of Timothée Chalamet’s career. Downey recalled,
I saw this movie, and I’m flashing back to when you were 22,
referencing Chalamet’s breakthrough in Call Me By Your Name, and added,
And then just a year ago, ‘A Complete Unknown,’ and I [think] ‘My God, this guy is technically so evolved.’ And I saw this movie and… I’m astonished.
Downey’s admiration extended beyond praise for Chalamet’s individual performance. He highlighted that the film itself was a cohesive and extraordinary work of art. He elaborated,
And also, just because it’s just such a great film. Any one of us can say, you know, that the worst review you ever want to get is, ‘He’s the best thing in the movie.’ It’s that you’re so exceptionally good [in] the film. I mean, this is a real piece of art.
Chalamet’s Reflection on Downey’s Influence
Timothée Chalamet acknowledged Downey’s influence on his approach to acting, particularly when preparing for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in last year’s film. He credited Downey’s first Academy Award nomination for Chaplin as a guiding example. Chalamet said,
For ‘A Complete Unknown,’ ‘Chaplin’ was one of the things I looked at,
and added,
And I went, ‘Wow, okay, somebody very recognizable as an actor, as Robert Downey Jr. shapeshifted into another person. [Your performance] gave me confidence approaching the Bob Dylan role.”
Applauding the Entire Team Behind Marty Supreme
Downey emphasized that the film’s success was due not only to the actors but the whole production team and creative vision led by director Josh Safdie. He described the film as a collective accomplishment, stating emphatically,
Everybody did their job across the board, [but] to me, this is a decade-defining film, and I think it is a generation-defining performance,
signaling its broad cultural and artistic resonance.
Chalamet expressed his deep respect for Safdie and his collaborators, calling the director a “master” and highlighting the creative energy of the team. He said,
Josh is just a master. I really believe in [his film] and hugely. [The crew were] like a bunch of hungry artists coming together and giving it their all.
Similarly, Chalamet spoke about his acting teacher Howard Shipman, who taught him that
raw talent isn’t mastery…but it gave me a sort of thing to chase.
Downey’s Personal Anecdote and Final Tribute
In a poignant moment, Downey shared a story from his early career, reflecting on youthful confidence and humility. He recalled asking legendary filmmaker Norman Jewison, under whose direction he worked in Only You, whether he was already considered one of the greats. Downey remembered,
He looked at me like I was nuts. And he said, ‘Mr. Downey, that remains to be seen.’
He used this anecdote to affirm Chalamet’s current status, declaring,
And I want to say in front of God and everyone in this audience here, for you, that as of ‘Marty Supreme,’ it no longer remains to be seen.
Implications of Marty Supreme’s Acclaim
This outspoken endorsement from Robert Downey Jr., combined with Timothée Chalamet’s acknowledged growth and the leadership of Josh Safdie, positions Marty Supreme as a noteworthy work in contemporary cinema. With its blend of technical excellence, compelling performances, and artistic coherence, the film not only marks a significant milestone for Chalamet but also sets a new benchmark for the generation it represents. As this project garners further attention during awards season, its influence on the film industry and audiences is poised to be substantial.
