NEW YORK, February 29, 2024 – Josh Safdie’s critically acclaimed new film, Marty Supreme, isn’t just a high-octane table tennis movie; it’s a masterclass in casting, populated by a constellation of vibrant, ofen non-professional actors.The film, already appearing on manny “best of the year” lists, distinguishes itself through its authentic ensemble, a hallmark of Safdie’s previous work including Uncut Gems, Good Time, and Heaven knows What.
A Voice You Might Recognize: Mariann from Brooklyn
Marty Supreme opens with a memorable scene featuring Mariann From Brooklyn, a devoted fan of The Howard Stern Show, playing a shoe shopper. Safdie actively sought her out, recognizing the power of her distinctive voice.
“Mariann From Brooklyn, she’s the first person who speaks in the movie,” Safdie explained. “The great Howard Stern caller. Not a Jew, but an Italian; we’ll claim her. I called her up, and she couldn’t believe it. I chased her down-she was very skeptical. She’s a New yorker, and she’s tough. But once she came to set, even the usually unflappable camera assistant was starstruck by her presence on set.
From Dylan’s Tour to the Silver Screen: Larry “Ratso” Sloman
Another unconventional casting choice was author Larry “Ratso” Sloman,who plays Marty’s uncle,Murray. Sloman earned his nickname from Bob Dylan during the Rolling Thunder tour in the 1970s.
“He was chasing an interview on the Rolling Thunder tour, and he couldn’t get the interview. I think three weeks in, he was sleeping in his car. He hadn’t shaved in a while; his hair was greasy. Dylan knocks on the glass, and he goes, ‘hey, Ratso!’ He goes, ‘Oh, you’re saying I look like Dustin Hoffman?’ he goes, ‘No, no, no. Ratso Rizzo, the character.’ It stuck from that moment on,” Safdie recounted.
Sloman is a prolific author, having penned autobiographies for Mike Tyson, Howard Stern, and Anthony Kiedis, as well as books on Harry Houdini and Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder tour. He also has a connection to Penn Jillette, having been friends with Al Goldstein and introducing Safdie to Jillette at a National Lampoon book festivity at the New York Public Library.
