Timothée Chalamet boldly asserts his acting prowess as "top-level," while promoting his latest film, Marty Supreme. The 29-year-old Oscar nominee, who has recently been in the headlines for his self-praising comments, addressed the query with a defiant air. "Why would I not like that question? This is in the spirit of Marty, and I feel like this is ultimately an original film at a time when original movies aren't really being put out," he stated in an interview with IndieWire, where he brushed off the suggestion that he might be more cautious with his future statements.
Chalamet's intense promotional push, encompassing media appearances and merchandise, mirrors the mindset of his character, Marty Mauser, a confident and driven table tennis prodigy from 1950s New York on a quest for international success. His bold self-belief has garnered comparisons to the character, after a clip surfaced of him hailing the role as his best yet and describing his recent work as "top-of-the-line."
When asked about a specific moment when he began to push himself more directly toward his acting goals, Chalamet referenced a Bob Dylan lyric: "'He who is not busy being born is busy dying.'" He explained, "Simple as that. That Dylan lyric resonated with me so tremendously." Chalamet was referring to the Bob Dylan song "It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)."
"Everyone needs respite and relaxation and healing at times, and I'm not speaking in some maniacal pursuit way. But with such a unique lifestyle and career opportunity—to work at a high level—why not be passionate about it?" he asked rhetorically. "I've always given it my all. That's evident in my early work—Bones and All, Call Me by Your Name, Beautiful Boy, or The King—but I do believe my artistry is growing. It's in formation. My foundation has gotten stronger as an artist. So my canvas board got bigger, or my palette."
Marty Supreme is set to premiere in theaters on December 25, and Chalamet has already garnered nominations for his performance at the Critics' Choice Awards on January 4 and the Golden Globe Awards on January 11.
