For actor Timothée Chalamet, preparation for roles extends beyond script memorization and character work. In the lead-up to his performance in the upcoming film “Marty Supreme,” Chalamet undertook a rigorous training regimen in table tennis, carrying a table with him to locations around the globe – from London to Budapest and even the Cannes Film Festival.
Dedication to the Details
Director Josh Safdie sought to ensure authenticity in the film’s table tennis sequences, enlisting the expertise of former U.S. Olympian Wei Wang and her husband, Diego Schaaf, as both coaches for Chalamet and technical advisors on set. However, Chalamet had already begun honing his skills, practicing throughout the pandemic in his New York apartment. “Everything I was working on, it was this secret,” Chalamet told the Hollywood Reporter.
Chalamet’s commitment to the role was such that he insisted on performing the table tennis scenes himself, eschewing a stunt double. While some of the longer sequences required choreography and the later addition of a digitally rendered ball using CGI, the foundation of the performance relied on Chalamet’s physical understanding of the game. According to Schaaf, Chalamet developed a unique ability to anticipate the timing of shots, even without a ball in play, surpassing the instincts of some professional players who rely on the ball’s trajectory.
The film’s table tennis scenes are also rooted in historical precedent, mirroring the real-life rivalry between 1950s U.S. champion Marty Reisman and Japan’s Hiroji Satoh. Film critic Amy Nicholson noted in her review of “Marty Supreme” that a well-struck pingpong ball can travel up to 70 mph.
Frequently Asked Questions
What roles was Timothée Chalamet preparing for concurrently with his table tennis training?
Timothée Chalamet was simultaneously preparing for roles in “Marty Supreme,” “Wonka,” “Dune: Part Two,” “The French Dispatch,” and “A Complete Unknown.”
How did the filmmakers approach filming the table tennis scenes?
The longer table tennis sequences were choreographed without a ball, and a ball was added later using computer-generated imagery (CGI). However, Chalamet first practiced the sequences with a real ball to understand the physical layout of each point.
What did Diego Schaaf say about Chalamet’s dedication to the role?
Diego Schaaf stated that Chalamet was “singularly dedicated to getting this to be the same quality as the rest of the movie.”
Given Chalamet’s demonstrated commitment to physical preparation for his roles, what other skills might he pursue to fully embody future characters?
