Not winning an Oscar can do funny things to people. Look at Leonardo DiCaprio. He tried harder and harder with every successive loss until he eventually made The Revenant, the movie equivalent of getting punched in the face for likes on TikTok. Same with Lady Gaga, who reacted to losing for A Star Is Born by going so method for House of Gucci that she essentially lived as a Dolmio puppet for nine months.And so we come to Timothée Chalamet. Now, on paper Chalamet doesn’t need to worry about winning an Oscar, because he played the lead in two films that were nominated for best picture. That’s a huge achievement, especially when you consider that those films – Dune: Part Two andA Complete Unknown– each appealed to wildly different audiences. Before that he made Wonka, which proved his chops in another field. Chalamet appeals to kids, sci-fi fans and people’s dads. He just needs to be announced as lead in a Bridget Jones reboot and he’ll have all four quadrants locked up forever. My point is that Chalamet doesn’t need an Oscar. He has already transcended awards.View image in fullscreenSeeking Oscars attention … Timothée Chalamet at the Academy Awards in March.Photograph: Monica Schipper/Getty ImagesHowever, Chalamet was up for the best actor Oscar this year and lost to Adrien Brody. And judging by the effort he’s put into his new film Marty Supreme, there’s a chance that he’s learned the wrong lesson from the loss. You’ll remember that much was made of Chalamet’s preparation for A Complete Unknown, which involved five years of singing lessons, guitar lessons and generalBob Dylanstudies. Indeed, by the end of this preparation, Chalamet couldn’t have been any more like Dylan if he’d toured the world honking atonally to the bafflement of fans. And this got him nominated for an Oscar. So now it’s lodged in his head: preparation equals glory.Marty Supreme is also a film based on a real person. It’s being released at Christmas, a sure sign that it’s expected to do well at theOscars. And so now word is starting to leak out that Chalamet threw everything he had into preparing for the role. That role, by the way, is a professional ping pong player.Speaking to Variety, the film’s cinematographer Darius Khondji revealed that Chalamet spent “months and months” learning ping pong because “he wanted to be like a real (professional) ping pong player when he started shooting”. Khondji explained that the preparation was necessary because “you can do anything, any camera tricks you want, but you need to have a core”.In truth, few films this year sound as exciting as Marty Supreme. It’s directed by Josh Safdie and, aside from Chalamet and his co-star Gwyneth Paltrow, it is stuffed with hundreds of non-actors ranging from world class ping pong players to Philippe Petit and Abel Ferrara. Everything about it suggests that it’s going to be something special. Indeed, with a pedigree like this it might result in Chalamet finally winning best actor at the Oscars next year.But this might not be the right lesson to learn. Spending months and months disappearing into role after role doesn’t sound very healthy and, what’s more, it doesn’t always win awards. Again, look at this year’s Oscars. The supporting actor award was basically a two-horse race between Jeremy Strong (who speaks lovingly about his craft, and the intellectual and physical challenges of becoming another person for a living) and Kieran Culkin (who basically played himself in A Real Pain and then spent the promotional campaign making lots of different fart noises with his mouth). You don’t need to be told that Strong went home empty-handed that night.So it isn’t necessarily a bad thing to do the work, especially if Marty Supreme ends up being as good as it’s shaping up to be, but it isn’t always wise to explain to the world how much effort the roles took. Timothée Chalamet, you are a movie star. Take a couple of easy jobs and coast on your charisma for a bit. You might win an award, you might not. But at least you’ll have several months of your life back to spendriding Lime bikes around London, or whatever it is you do with your time.
Memo to Timothée Chalamet: instead of total-immersion ping pong, maybe take the year off | Stuart Heritage
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Timothée Chalamet's Oscar Aspirations Raise Concerns Over Intense Preparation"
The Guardian
7.0
TruthLens AI Summary
The article discusses the pressures faced by actors in the film industry, particularly in relation to award nominations and wins, using Timothée Chalamet as a focal point. Despite Chalamet's impressive accomplishments, including lead roles in two best picture-nominated films, he still sought an Oscar nomination for his role in 'A Complete Unknown.' After losing to Adrien Brody, there are concerns that he might have misinterpreted the lessons from this experience. His intense preparation for 'Marty Supreme,' in which he portrays a professional ping pong player, is indicative of this. Chalamet reportedly dedicated months to mastering ping pong, believing that such commitment would lead to success at the Oscars, as noted by the film's cinematographer, Darius Khondji, who emphasized the importance of authenticity in performance.
While 'Marty Supreme' promises to be an exciting film with a strong cast and a unique premise, the article warns that Chalamet's approach to preparation could be detrimental to his well-being. The piece reflects on the unpredictable nature of award success, citing examples from the recent Oscars where effort alone did not guarantee a win. It suggests that Chalamet, already a prominent movie star, might benefit from taking on lighter roles and allowing his natural charisma to shine through, rather than immersing himself fully in every character. This approach could provide him with a healthier work-life balance and possibly lead to future accolades without the intense pressure he currently places on himself.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents an analysis of Timothée Chalamet's career trajectory and his recent endeavors, particularly in light of his Oscar nomination loss. It draws comparisons to other celebrities who have reacted to similar situations, suggesting that Chalamet may be overcompensating for his loss by immersing himself in intense preparation for his new film, "Marty Supreme."
Perception Management
By highlighting Chalamet's efforts and the pressure of Oscar nominations, the article aims to create a narrative around the emotional toll of losing prestigious awards. This could resonate with audiences who empathize with the challenges faced by public figures in the entertainment industry, suggesting a broader commentary on the nature of success and recognition in Hollywood.
Hiding Underlying Issues
The focus on Chalamet's preparation might overshadow deeper industry issues, such as the subjective nature of award nominations and the pressures placed on actors to constantly prove their worth. The piece subtly hints at the possibility that the entertainment industry places undue importance on accolades, which may not necessarily reflect an actor's talent or versatility.
Manipulative Elements
The article uses a somewhat sensational tone when discussing Chalamet's preparation, possibly aiming to provoke a specific reaction from readers. It implies that he might be making a mistake by equating hard work with guaranteed success, which can be seen as a form of manipulation, encouraging readers to sympathize with his plight while critiquing his approach.
Truthfulness of the Content
While the article draws on real events and known behaviors in the industry, it frames them within a subjective narrative that may not fully capture the complexities of Chalamet's situation. The interpretation of his actions as overcompensation could be seen as speculative rather than factual.
Societal Implications
This discussion reflects societal pressures regarding achievement and the often unrealistic standards set for public figures. The narrative could influence how audiences perceive success, potentially leading to increased scrutiny of actors and their choices, which in turn could impact their mental health and public image.
Audience Targeting
The article appeals to fans of Chalamet and the broader film community, particularly those invested in award ceremonies and celebrity culture. It engages readers who are interested in the dynamics of success in Hollywood, particularly among younger audiences who may relate to the pressures of performance and validation.
Market Influence
While this article may not have a direct impact on stock prices or market movements, it contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding the entertainment industry. The perception of an actor's success or failure can influence their marketability, potentially affecting associated projects and their financial prospects.
Geopolitical Relevance
On a broader scale, the article touches on themes of recognition and validation that extend beyond the film industry, paralleling discussions in various sectors about achievement and public perception. However, it does not directly address current geopolitical issues.
Artificial Intelligence Involvement
There is no clear indication that AI played a role in crafting this article, though the writing style and analysis could be reflective of algorithms designed to generate commentary on current events. If AI were involved, it might have influenced the tone or structure, aiming to engage a specific audience effectively. In conclusion, the article presents a nuanced perspective on the pressures faced by actors in Hollywood, particularly Timothée Chalamet, while also critiquing the industry's obsession with awards. Its speculative nature and emotional appeal suggest a manipulative undertone aimed at eliciting sympathy and reflection from readers.