Marty Supreme is a must watch for those addicted to the beguiling hustle and chaotic turmoil of a life of singular obsession dominated by its inevitably destructive lows and ever tantalized by its proximity to insurmountable highs.
A great watch for the man seeking to spark his appetite for a consuming ambition despite the debt that it incurs; for the man who enjoys the trenches and the chase more so than he does the finality of triumph.
There is something to be said about operating as though possessed by a singular idea. To work wholeheartedly towards one result. To have the entirety of ones actions be directed to a single goal. No wasted moments, no half attempts, only full gas all the way to the finish (or to the grave). An utter disregard for anything or anyone that comes between you and that goal. One can only sit back and admire the tenacity, albeit the outwardly viscous components, of someone of this disposition. The unrelenting force which they apply to their surroundings. The quick pace of their movements, the full confidence in their actions. The deep rooted belief in some preordained outcome. The belief of inevitability and the burden of responsibility in pursuance of its fulfillment. We love this type of character. We root for them. Even when we don't want to, even when their character turns sour, so do we with it. These moments make the audience uncomfortable. They are forced to both believe the characters path and recognize the character's inhumanity. A thrilling ride.
His superior charisma which he uses to disastrous effect to manipulate those around him, only matched by Odessa's character, who on a singular occasion out manipulates him. His only equal on that field.
Rockwell who, with perfect adoption by Kevin, carries himself as much the same: a hungry vampire, accustomed to the hustle, who has made it fulfilling the true end goal of total dominance. His presence a reflection of Marty's future self. The subject in the mirror into which he gazes.
Kay Stone, false confirmation of his triumph. It is infinitely telling how his romantic trophy's best performing days are behind her. In his self proclaimed title as performer and rock star it is the actress of yesterday, the one whose predicament and outlook is as grifty as his, whom he beguiles and not the brilliant stars of today.
The film creates what is in my opinion one of the most convincing displays of anxious desperation, made possible through unbelievable performances by the cast and a style of shooting that can best be described as breathless.
The film builds its a momentum through its colorful, fast moving, close face shots, culminating in a final which for the observant viewer seems appropriate and for the casual watcher utterly disappointing. The ping pong match between him and the champion, Endo, is but an exhibition match and only after the pleading of Marty played again, but this time under real pretenses. Entrance into the World Championship has been denied, his last dollars and his final inklings of dignity have been spent on reaching Tokyo and so fittingly, whats left of the fruits of his disparate labors are made accessible in a small, but packed, auditorium in a Rockwell sponsored event with a result ultimately inconsequential for those outside of the room. The irony, like in many of his exploits, is laid bare: convinced of his greatness (and have convinced others) his greatest moment is but a sham; a circus trick, a mere exhibition. Even when the game is played again, the situation not much less pathetic. Yet, for Marty the win means everything. We, the viewer, are convinced and even others in the audience, Rockwell himself, of the magnitude of the moment. As a true performer he constructs his sphere of entertainment masterfully, expressing every emotion and striking the ball with a force and passion entrancing, bringing all willing inside. He shows us that for the true competitor, for those engrossed in a single objective, those obsessed beyond comprehension with a sole purpose, there are no sacrifices too large for the smallest of victories.