At a recent awards-season Q&A, Robert Downey Jr. praised the new film Marty Supreme as a groundbreaking work, highlighting its significance alongside the outstanding performance of Timothée Chalamet. The conversation, held on the Director’s Guild stage, captured Downey’s enthusiastic response to the movie’s intense impact and artistry, emphasizing why Robert Downey Jr Marty Supreme remains a pivotal moment in cinema.
Downey’s Enthusiastic Praise for Chalamet’s Performance and the Film’s Mastery
Robert Downey Jr., known for his composed presence, was visibly energized discussing Marty Supreme during the event. Reflecting on Timothée Chalamet’s growth as an actor over the years, Downey recalled watching Chalamet’s early breakthrough in Call Me By Your Name and his evolution since then.
I saw this movie, and I’m flashing back to when you were 22,
and remarking on the actor’s artistic leaps and bounds. “And then just a year ago, ‘A Complete Unknown,’ and I [thing] ‘My God, this guy is technically so evolved.’ And I saw this movie and… I’m astonished.
— Robert Downey Jr., Actor
Downey insisted that the film itself transcended a showcase for an individual actor; it was a cohesive and compelling piece of cinema that resonated deeply.
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.
— Robert Downey Jr., Actor
Chalamet’s Acknowledgment of Downey’s Influence and Collaborative Praise
Responding to Downey’s admiration, Timothée Chalamet credited Downey’s earlier work, particularly his Academy Award-nominated role in Chaplin, as a reference point for shaping his own performances. Chalamet described how Downey’s ability to transform so completely inspired his portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown.
“For ‘A Complete Unknown,’ ‘Chaplin’ was one of the things I looked at,”
Chalamet said.
“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.”
Chalamet also emphasized the combined effort behind Marty Supreme, praising its director Josh Safdie and the team’s artistic drive.
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.
— Timothée Chalamet, Actor
His acting teacher, Howard Shipman, played a formative role in encouraging his ambitions despite cautioning about the limits of raw talent alone.
raw talent isn’t mastery…but it gave me a sort of thing to chase.
— Timothée Chalamet, Actor
Downey’s Bold Declaration of the Film’s Lasting Importance
Downey expanded his praise beyond individual performances, declaring Marty Supreme to be a pivotal film for this generation.
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,
— Robert Downey Jr., Actor
He then shared a personal story about his early career, recalling a lesson in humility from filmmaker Norman Jewison during the filming of Only You. At 30, Downey arrogantly asked Jewison if he was already among the greats, only to be met with a sober reply.
He looked at me like I was nuts. And he said, ‘Mr. Downey, that remains to be seen.’
— Robert Downey Jr., Actor
Turning to Chalamet and the present moment, Downey firmly stated his new verdict:
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.
— Robert Downey Jr., Actor
The Collaborative Spirit Behind Marty Supreme
The synergy among the cast and crew played a crucial role in shaping Marty Supreme into the film Downey praised. Director Josh Safdie’s leadership drew together a team fueled by passion and artistic hunger, crafting a film that stands out not only for its performances but also as a unified work of cinematic art.
Chalamet’s reflections on his development as an actor were linked closely to Safdie’s vision and the rigorous support from his acting mentor, Howard Shipman, who instilled the importance of continual growth beyond mere talent.
Why Marty Supreme Could Mark a Turning Point in Film
Robert Downey Jr.’s emphatic praise for Marty Supreme indicates more than enthusiasm for a single movie or actor; it underscores a cultural moment where a film and a performance resonate deeply across a generation. The collaboration of visionary director Josh Safdie and actor Timothée Chalamet has produced what Downey calls a “decade-defining” piece, suggesting the movie could influence future filmmaking and acting benchmarks.
The recognition by an established artist like Downey also points to Marty Supreme gaining traction not just among critics but potentially shaping award-season dynamics and the careers of those involved. As audiences engage with its complex narrative and intense performances, this film may well become a touchstone for artistic ambition and accomplishment in the coming years.
