Inside Marty Supreme: Josh Safdie’s Meticulous Costume Vision

Josh Safdie’s latest film, Marty Supreme, not only elevates his trademark energetic storytelling but also stands out for its remarkable approach to costume and set design. Costume designer Miyako Bellizzi has shared insights into how Safdie was determined to authentically reflect the fashion sensibilities of Jewish immigrants in 1950s New York. Every element, from the outerwear to the most discreet garments, was carefully considered to ensure the cast, particularly Timothée Chalamet as Marty Mauser, embodied the era’s distinctive style.

Recreating 1950s New York Through Wardrobe

Bellizzi explained that inspiration was drawn from a documentary by Ken Jacobs, which she and Safdie watched together to capture the right aesthetic. The intention was to make every detail, even down to the underwear worn by characters on the street, feel true to the period. Chalamet’s transformation into Marty Mauser was shaped by this meticulous research, ensuring his appearance was both accurate and evocative of the time.

Chalamet’s portrayal is enhanced by the authenticity of his wardrobe, which sets him apart as much as his performance does. The director’s vision extended to every aspect of Marty’s look, making the character’s presence on screen both memorable and believable.

Chalamet on Safdie’s Uncompromising Eye for Detail

During a Q&A, Chalamet credited Safdie for the character’s visual identity, noting how the director’s insistence on accuracy influenced his own experience on set. He described being particularly struck by the lengths Safdie went to, including the use of strong prescription contacts to alter his perception and physicality during filming. This, Chalamet said, was intended to create a sense of disconnection, both for himself and for the audience, mirroring the outsider status of his character.

That was all at Josh’s discretion; the amazing eye for detail he had, he just wanted to paint a portrait of a man on the Lower East Side in the ’50s at a time when self-care was different, to put it in modern terms. And as far as the glasses go, where I was wearing -6.5 prescription contacts to offset what the actual lenses and glasses were doing, he wanted from a performance perspective to impair me, so it can feel like I was living in a fishbowl, and see what that did to me in my body and my spirit as a human but equally to the audience, to the visual effect that I had on camera, to show a guy who’s living a life as an outsider, and a life of impairment.

This commitment to detail, both in costume and performance, has contributed to the film’s unique atmosphere and Chalamet’s growing reputation in the industry.

Building Tension with Style and Substance

The film’s narrative, reminiscent of the Safdie Brothers’ earlier work, is marked by relentless pacing and escalating stakes. Marty Mauser’s journey is defined by his boldness and willingness to take risks, often landing him in increasingly precarious situations. Rather than allowing the tension to dissipate, the story repeatedly resets, keeping viewers on edge and drawing them deeper into Marty’s world.

This approach, while divisive, is part of what gives the film its distinctive appeal. The combination of high-stakes storytelling and a carefully crafted visual identity has resonated with audiences, contributing to its strong box office performance and critical acclaim.

Key Details and Cast

Marty Supreme is directed by Josh Safdie and features a cast including Timothée Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tyler the Creator, Odessa A’zion, and Kevin O’Leary. The film has received a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.3/10 rating on IMDb, with box office takings reaching $19.4 million. The film is currently showing in cinemas across the United States.