«We almost hid the camera»: How Oscar-Nominated Cinematographer Filmed Marty Supreme’s Tear-Jerking Ending

The extremely emotional end of Marty Supreme was a feat that Oscar-Nominated cinematographer had to take a different approach to…

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The phenomenon that is Marty Supreme not only kept the audience on their toes the entire run of the film, but the ending was the perfect emotional closure for the tale of Timothée Chalamet’s character. And in an interview with The Film Stage, the film’s cinematographer, Darius Khondji, revealed how they captured the emotional essence of the ending by becoming invisible, saying:

We just had to do it very carefully. We had to be almost not there. The actors almost didn’t want to see us there. So we almost hid the camera and filmed it as if we were in a store of marvels. I don’t have the English words to say it, but we were incredibly careful not to be invasive, because we are in such a different emotional moment in the film. It really works so beautifully in the film.

No wonder, with such simple yet innovative ideas, Khondji was previously nominated for two Oscar awards for Best Cinematography for Evita and Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths.

Josh Safdie Reveals His Intentions Behind Marty Supreme’s Ending

Without spoiling too much of the ending, it’s revealed in the end that Marty Mauser is now a father, to his own kid or not is besides the point. And in this moment, actor Timothée Chalamet truly gives it his all, showing the sheer emotional range and Oscar-winning acting potential he has.

This end, according to director Josh Safdie, in an interview with GQ, was an ode to the parents across the world and parenthood itself. He explained that this was important for him to explore after his own experience of becoming a father after his marriage, saying:

The pandemic hit. Next thing you know, I went to City Hall, we got married, have a kid, and have another kid. And that feeling when I met my first daughter, it was a cosmic feeling. We were all born, and you’re reminded in some eternal way of your own beginning. But something much stronger and more powerful is that you’re reminded that it’s not about you. Now it’s about your future and something that’s going to live beyond you, but it’s also about all of us. 

He further explained how this became a humbling moment for him in the end, which helped him write and shape the story that resonated with him on such a profound level, and as he found out, with the audience as well.

Kevin O’Leary Had a Darker Ending Planned for Marty Supreme

While the film’s ending is considered to be a perfect catharsis for both the character of Mauser and the narrative, Kevin O’Leary, who plays the role of the husband of one of Marty’s lovers in the film, differs from that sentiment.

Thus, in an interview with Variety, the entrepreneur and actor claimed that the best thing that could’ve happened was Rachel’s death, as it would be justified for Marty screwing so many lives over for his goals. He said:

Rachel has to die. She has to die in childbirth… I know that sounds nuts, but to me that would be the right punishment.

This was something that director Josh Safdie considered to add at one point in time, but rejected it due to his own vision and for it becoming too dark for the audience as well.

Here’s more information on Marty Supreme.

Which ending do you like for the film? Tell us in the comments below.

Marty Supreme is now screening in cinemas (US).

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