Intro paragraph
Timothée Chalamet recently opened up about a risky bathtub scene in his new film Marty Supreme, explaining that he had concerns over the lighting setup before filming. The actor, who won a Critics Choice Award and a Golden Globe for the role, also reflected on the moment’s impact during a Q&A with Robert Downey Jr. in Los Angeles.
**At a Glance
- Timothée Chalamet questioned the safety of a bathtub lighting rig in Marty Supreme.
- He earned the Critics Choice Award on Jan. 4 and a Golden Globe on Jan. 11.
- The bathtub sequence shows his character falling through a floor in a hotel room.
- Why it matters: The scene highlights the actor’s commitment to authenticity and the director’s daring vision.
Background of the Film
Marty Supreme follows a young Jewish American table tennis prodigy in 1952, struggling to fund a trip to Japan for the world championships. The film blends historical context with a tense, surreal narrative, earning Chalamet critical acclaim for his performance.
The Bathtub Moment
During a Q&A on Jan. 14, Chalamet told Robert Downey Jr. that he had asked director Josh Safdie whether the lighting rig near the bathtub was securely fastened. He explained, “I pulled Josh aside. I was like, ‘Man, has this been properly done? It’s not going to collapse in the water?'”
Safdie, who has worked with Chalamet on previous projects, responded that the setup was indeed safe, but the actor’s concern underscored the production’s attention to detail.
Chalamet’s Perspective
Chalamet said the bathtub scene was one of the most exciting moments for the director, describing it as a practical effect with real water and lights hanging off the rig. He added, “It’s practical. There’s water. And I look up and there’s lights that are hanging off our rig basically… I was like, ‘Man, has this been properly done? It’s not going to collapse in the water? It’s not how I want to go out.'”
He also noted that the scene involved his character, Marty Mauser, falling through a floor and landing on another man, Abel Ferrara, and his dog-a moment that blends shock with dark humor.
Awards and Recognition
Chalamet’s performance earned him the Best Actor award at the Critics Choice Awards on Jan. 4 and his first career Golden Globe on Jan. 11.
| Award | Category | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Critics Choice | Best Actor | Jan. 4 |
| Golden Globe | Best Actor – Motion Picture | Jan. 11 |
| Actor Awards | Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role | March 1 |

He is also nominated for the Actor Awards on March 1, competing alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, and Jesse Plemons.
Upcoming Awards
At the upcoming Actor Awards, Chalamet will face stiff competition from actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio, who is nominated for One Battle After Another, and Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon. The ceremony will also honor Michael B. Jordan for Sinners and Jesse Plemons for Bugonia.
Production Insights
The film’s production team emphasized that the bathtub sequence was shot with practical effects rather than CGI, prioritizing safety and realism. The lighting rig was inspected by safety crews before filming, ensuring no risk of collapse.
Key Takeaways
- Timothée Chalamet voiced safety concerns during a bathtub scene in Marty Supreme.
- He won major awards for the film, including the Critics Choice Award and a Golden Globe.
- The bathtub moment remains a standout example of the film’s blend of suspense and authenticity.
- Chalamet’s upcoming nomination at the Actor Awards highlights his continued prominence in the industry.
Conclusion
The bathtub scene in Marty Supreme showcases the actor’s dedication to authentic storytelling and the production’s meticulous safety protocols. Chalamet’s candid remarks during the Q&A provide fans with a deeper understanding of the challenges behind a seemingly simple set piece.
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