The Unconventional Casting of ‘Marty Supreme‘
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Timothée Chalamet is famous.Gwyneth Paltrow is too; so are Fran Drescher, Odessa A’zion, and Tyler, the Creator. They’re all impressive in Marty Supreme, Josh Safdie‘s high-octane table tennis picture that has a place on most critics’ lists of the best movies this year.
There’s a lot that makes Marty sing, but a big part of this movie, as in safdie’s previous work-films like Uncut Gems, Good Time, and Heaven Knows What-is its ensemble of unusual faces and unique voices.In working with one of Hollywood’s finest casting directors, Jennifer Venditti, Safdie has built a constellation of loud, aggressive New Yorkers-largely played by people who are not film stars. One gets the impression that these people would be carrying on the same way even if Safdie’s camera weren’t rolling.
Here, Safdie explains his rationale for populating this festivity of tenement dwellers and junkyard Jews with authors, fellow film directors, and personalities he discovered in viral videos-starting with a voice likely only known to those who really know.
Howard Stern superfan Mariann From Brooklyn (as the Shoe Shopper)
Josh Safdie: https://www.instagram.com/mariannfrombrooklyn/?hl=en is a legend. she’s a Howard Stern superfan, and she calls into the show constantly. She’s got this incredible, very specific energy. I’d been watching her on YouTube for years, and I was like, “This woman is a performer.” She’s just… herself, but it’s a heightened self.
Larry “Ratso” Sloman: A Cultural Beacon and Prolific Ghostwriter
Larry “Ratso” Sloman, known for his role as Murray in Marty, is a highly influential figure in American culture, celebrated as a prolific author and ghostwriter. Though often working behind the scenes, Sloman has contributed to numerous bestselling autobiographies and biographies, leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape.
The Origin of the Nickname “Ratso”
Sloman acquired his famous nickname during the 1975-1976 Rolling Thunder Revue tour with Bob Dylan. As detailed in accounts of the tour, Sloman was relentlessly pursuing an interview with Dylan. After weeks of unsuccessful attempts, and appearing disheveled, Dylan reportedly tapped on his car window and called him “Ratso!” Sloman, in turn, joked if he looked like Dustin Hoffman. Dylan clarified the reference was to Rato Rizzo, a character from the film Midnight Cowboy. The moniker stuck, becoming synonymous with Sloman’s persona.
A Career Built on Storytelling
Sloman’s career extends far beyond his acting role and the Dylan tour. He is a remarkably versatile writer, frequently enough credited as a ghostwriter or collaborator on numerous high-profile projects. His work includes:
* Autobiographies: He co-wrote the autobiography of Mike Tyson, Undisputed Truth, and Howard Stern’s Private Parts.
* Biographies: Sloman authored a biography of Harry Houdini, exploring the life and legacy of the legendary magician. He also penned the biography of Anthony Kiedis, the lead singer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, titled Scar Tissue.
* The Rolling Thunder Revue: He also wrote a book detailing his experiences on the Rolling Thunder tour with Bob Dylan.
A Connection to Comedy and National Lampoon
Sloman’s influence extends to the world of comedy. He introduced Penn Jillette to a contact through his friendship with al Goldstein, the founder of Screw magazine. He also demonstrated his comedic talent at a National Lampoon book celebration at the New York Public Library, captivating the audience with a reading from a fabricated TV Guide, injecting humor into what was initially a rather formal event.
Sloman’s career exemplifies a unique blend of cultural immersion, storytelling prowess, and a knack for capturing the voices of iconic figures. He remains a significant, though frequently enough uncredited, force in contemporary literature and popular culture.