Key Takeaways
- Timothée Chalamet wore real prescription glasses during filming to better embody his character in Marty Supreme.
- Director Josh Safdie used vision-distorting contact lenses to force the actor to rely on the glasses on set.
- Chalamet trained for months to convincingly play a professional ping-pong athlete.
- The actor filmed alongside real champions of the sport, leading to a dramatic on-screen transformation.
Timothée Chalamet Wore Real Prescription Glasses to Fully Transform for Marty Supreme
Timothée Chalamet is known for fully committing to his roles, and his latest performance in the upcoming sports drama Marty Supreme may be one of his most physically demanding yet. To bring authenticity to the screen, the actor wore real prescription glasses throughout filming, a choice driven by director Josh Safdie’s immersive approach to storytelling.
In the film, the 30-year-old star portrays a professional ping-pong player whose glasses are a defining part of his character. Rather than using special effects or non-prescription eyewear, Safdie wanted Chalamet to experience the character’s limitations in real life — not just perform them.
To make that happen, the production fitted Chalamet with powerful vision-altering contact lenses that significantly impaired his sight. With the contacts in place, the actor could barely see without his glasses, forcing him to rely on them completely while on set. The goal was simple: if the glasses came off, the performance would instantly change — just like it would for the character.
Safdie explained the unusual method during a panel event in Los Angeles, describing how carefully planned the setup was.
“At the time, we said we were going to put +10 contact lenses in your eyes, and then put –10 prescription lenses in front of them,” the director said. “So when his glasses fall off, he can’t see anything.”
While the approach added realism, it also came with physical challenges. Safdie recalled receiving a call from Chalamet during filming, when the actor admitted he was feeling dizzy while wearing the lenses. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Chalamet later described the experience as feeling like he was “living in a fishbowl.”
Despite the discomfort, Chalamet remained committed to following Safdie’s direction and fully embracing the role. The intense preparation reflects the filmmaker’s dedication to realism and the actor’s willingness to push himself beyond typical performance boundaries.
With its unconventional techniques and immersive performances, Marty Supreme promises to deliver a transformation audiences won’t expect — showcasing Chalamet not just as a leading man, but as an actor willing to sacrifice comfort for authenticity.
Months of Training for a Realistic Performance
The vision impairment was only one part of Chalamet’s preparation. To convincingly portray a professional ping-pong athlete, the actor underwent months of intensive training before filming began.
Cinematographer Darius Khondji told Variety that the sport required genuine skill, regardless of cinematic techniques.
“You can do any camera tricks you want, but you need to have a core,” Khondji explained. “He wanted to be like a real professional ping-pong player when he started shooting.”
Chalamet also filmed alongside real elite ping-pong champions, surrounding himself with top-level players to further immerse himself in the role.
A Transformation Audiences Won’t Expect
According to Khondji, Chalamet’s performance in Marty Supreme will surprise viewers who are used to seeing him in romantic or dramatic roles.
“I don’t think people are going to recognize him at all,” he said, suggesting the transformation is both physical and emotional.
With intense preparation, physical discomfort, and a fully immersive approach to performance, Marty Supreme showcases Timothée Chalamet’s continued willingness to push boundaries — even when it means sacrificing comfort for authenticity.
