Marty supreme's set design secrets: unearthing 1950s new york for a table tennis triumph

Five design secrets from marty supreme's oscar-nominated sets

A24’s Marty Supreme, directed by Josh Safdie, is generating Oscar buzz, and much of the acclaim is directed towards its meticulously crafted production design. Veteran Jack Fisk, a go-to for period pieces in Hollywood, has earned nominations for his work on films like The Revenant and Killers of the Flower Moon. Fisk’s approach to recreating the gritty atmosphere of 1950s New York is nothing short of masterful. Here's a look at five key design choices that bring the film's world to life.

Recreating a lost era: the lawrence table tennis club

One of the most compelling aspects of Marty Supreme is the recreation of Lawrence’s Table Tennis Club, a historically significant Black-owned speakeasy that thrived during the Prohibition era. Fisk painstakingly pieced together the original floor plan using archival imagery and city records. This club wasn’t just a place to play table tennis; it was a social hub where high-stakes games and gambling flourished. The club’s rich history, a vibrant piece of New York's past, became a focal point for the film.

Nostalgia on set: fisk’s childhood influences

Fisk’s personal history played a surprising role in shaping the film's visual landscape. He drew upon memories of a 1950s shoe store in his childhood in Illinois, particularly a foot-measuring machine. This seemingly small detail informed the design of the downtown stores in Marty Supreme. Alongside set decorator Adam Willis, Fisk scoured vintage shops to achieve the authentic feel of the era. This personal touch adds a layer of depth and authenticity to the film's world.

A bathtub scene that demanded precision

Fisk is renowned for his skill with visual effects, and his work on the bathtub scene in Marty Supreme is a prime example. The scene, where Timothée Chalamet's character jumps into a tub, required intricate planning and execution. To achieve the desired effect, the hotel interior was built on a set, allowing for a controlled