“I’m very satisfied with my work on ‘Call Me by Your Name’ and all the films I did at the beginning of my career, but I think humbly that ‘A Complete Unknown’ and ‘Marty Supreme’ are the works I am most proud of“. Timothée Chalamet (New York, 1995) does not hide: he wants to be the best at what he does, and he is aware that with his last two roles he is on his way to achieving it. While we chat about how he has given life to Marty Mauser, a roguish small-time swindler and ping-pong player in New York in the 1950s, he warns us that has just finished filming the third part of ‘Dune‘, saying goodbye forever to Paul Atreides. However, his mind is still trapped in the film in which he stars under the orders of Josh Safdie (this time without his brother Benny) and in the long shadow of a figure like Bob Dylan.
“A while ago I was thinking about how Bob would feel coming to something like that. He probably wouldn’t even come, or he would have answered one question out of ten. Sometimes I wish I were like that, but in that sense I think I’m more like Marty. I feel like sometimes I have pretended that things matter less to me, that I try to hide it and go cool through life.but in reality it is very difficult for me not to get involved. Although as Dylan said… Don’t look back“.
That dark object of desire
Table of Contents
- 1. That dark object of desire
- 2. Once upon a time… life
- 3. Why do audiences romanticize the “tortured artist” trope in the case of Joaquin Phoenix and Heath Ledger?
- 4. The Allure of the Tortured Artist: Deconstructing Idealization of Phoenix & Ledger
- 5. The Romanticization of Suffering in Art
- 6. Joaquin Phoenix & Heath ledger: Case Studies in Public Perception
- 7. The Dangers of Idealization: A Personal Reflection
- 8. healthy Channels for Emotional Expression
- 9. Reframing the Narrative: Celebrating Resilience, Not Just Suffering
His role in ‘Marty Supreme’, playing a hustler with sky-high self-esteem who wants to succeed at all costs, fits him like a glove. “Marty looks a lot like me when I didn’t have a career in Hollywood yet.“admits the actor. “And I say this knowing that, in a certain sense, he is not the most admirable character you can find. However, that obsession with achieving his goals was what hooked me most about him: that fierce determination, that drive to get where I wanted in my career and not take no for an answer. Especially in the film industry, where there is so much rejection when starting out. In the beginning, you are the only person who believes in you“.
Time has proven him right. With the Golden Globe under his arm, the top Oscar favorite and just turned 30, Chalamet is showing that his speech last year at the SAG Awards (“I pursue greatness, I want to be one of the best in history”) was not a bluff. “I think when I said that, I was still possessed by Marty’s spirit, because it was only two months after we wrapped filming and I still hadn’t gotten out of the character’s mental state. But I still agree, and I want other actors to feel comfortable saying it the same way I do. This lifestyle and the demands that come with it are too complicated not to want to be the best.and this drive to the top encourages you to give your best, no matter how pedantic or cheesy it may sound.
It is true that his statements hold up better when he talks about this character than about others he has given life to throughout his filmography. “It would be very strange to say this after doing ‘Little Women’, for example. For me to say: ‘I want to be the best Laurie in history,’ and for people to think: ‘But what’s this guy about?’ And then Christian Bale would shoot me” (he says with a laugh). “But, why not give it your all? I will rest when I am dead“.
Once upon a time… life
“I don’t share the idea that this is an antihero film,” defends Chalamet, “or even that antihero films exist as such. The film has an ambiguous moral compass, with a protagonist who is also morally ambiguous. But that’s real life. People have positive qualities, they have flaws, they are generous, they are selfish… And, above all, people change. The Marty of the first minutes of the film is not the same one who says goodbye to us before the credits, just as happens with people throughout their lives.”
At this point in the interview, the young performer remembers his evolution in the last decade. “Sometimes I feel nostalgic for when I was 20. And then I wonder if I would really want to live all that again. And I think not. At that time I romanticized the figure of the tortured artist. With all due respect, I used to want to be as fucked up as Joaquin Phoenix or Heath Ledger. I idealized (and still do, they are my heroes) people like them. Now what I want is to be comfortable with my own life. The confidence that ‘Marty Supreme’ gave me was thinking that I can do a good job without being broken inside. “That’s the cool thing about playing an athlete and having a competitive mentality, rather than, I don’t know, looking for melancholic poems by Lord Byron to inspire me or something like that.”
Fran Chico He is an expert in cinema and series, specialized in cultural dissemination and film criticism. He is a recognized critic in Rotten Tomatoes and in Filmaffinity. Although his favorite genre is horror, he tells you the same about the new Marvel MCU blockbuster as he does about an auteur film to claim from the festival circuit. There is no Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video or Disney+ series that escapes its radar, delving into the catalog of each platform to recommend and analyze its best content.
Fran has been writing in Fotogramas for more than a year, but his beginnings date back almost two decades ago in film forums and blogs such as Planeta Claqueta or Movementarios. He was founder and part of the board of directors of the digital publication of film criticism and analysis Mutations Magazine and a member of the Association of Cinematographic Informants of Spain (AICE), the organization that awards the Feroz Awards, as well as a voter for the Golden Blogos for independent cinema. After completing the Master of Film Criticism at the Madrid Film School (ECAM) taught by Cayman Film Notebookshas collaborated and/or covered film festivals such as San Sebastián, Sitges and Filmadrid as a specialized press for more than 10 years, interviewing along the way relevant directors, actors and actresses from the national industry such as Penélope Cruz, Carlos Saura, Ana de Armas, José Luis Cuerda or José Sacristán and internationally such as James Wan, Edgar Wright or Dario Argento.
His knowledge and experience have led him to be film videoblogger from Fnac Spain and director and host of the podcast Zinephagous Holocaustwith more than 150 programs broadcast and available in which cinema and humor are mixed from a unique and original point of view.
Why do audiences romanticize the “tortured artist” trope in the case of Joaquin Phoenix and Heath Ledger?
The Allure of the Tortured Artist: Deconstructing Idealization of Phoenix & Ledger
There’s a confession many creative souls harbor: a past fascination, even a desire, to embody the perceived “tortured artist” archetype. For some,Joaquin Phoenix and heath Ledger became potent symbols of this. Their raw talent,coupled with public narratives surrounding their personal struggles,created an almost mythic image. It’s a complex pull, rooted in societal perceptions of creativity and mental health. but why this idealization? and, crucially, why is it often a hazardous one?
The Romanticization of Suffering in Art
Historically, a link between artistic genius and suffering has been perpetuated. Think of Van Gogh’s mental illness, Sylvia Plath’s depression, or even the tumultuous life of Ernest Hemingway. This narrative suggests that pain fuels creativity, that a certain level of emotional distress is necessary to produce truly impactful work.
* The Byronic Hero: This literary trope,popularized by Lord Byron,established a figure defined by rebellion,emotional intensity,and a troubled past. It laid the groundwork for the modern “tortured artist.”
* Cultural Reinforcement: Media portrayals often emphasize the struggles of artists, further solidifying the connection between pain and creativity. Biopics, while often compelling, can inadvertently romanticize destructive behaviors.
* Misunderstanding of the Creative Process: The intense focus on emotional turmoil overshadows the discipline, skill, and sheer hard work that underpin artistic achievement.
This romanticization isn’t harmless. It can lead to a dangerous glorification of self-destructive behaviors, notably among aspiring artists who may already be vulnerable.
Joaquin Phoenix & Heath ledger: Case Studies in Public Perception
Both Phoenix and Ledger were intensely private individuals, yet their lives were often dissected by the media. This scrutiny, combined with their willingness to delve into dark and complex roles, contributed to the perception of them as deeply troubled figures.
joaquin phoenix: His method acting approach, particularly for films like Joker, blurred the lines between performance and reality. The documentary I’m Still Here intentionally fueled speculation about his mental state, adding to the mystique. While Phoenix has spoken openly about his own struggles with anxiety, the public narrative frequently enough fixated on a more sensationalized image.
Heath Ledger: Ledger’s dedication to his role as the Joker in the Dark Knight was legendary. His immersive planning, coupled with his untimely death, cemented his status as a tragic figure. The narrative surrounding his death frequently enough linked it directly to the intensity of the role,further reinforcing the “tortured artist” trope. It’s vital to note that the full circumstances surrounding his death were far more complex, involving prescription medication and a period of illness.
The Dangers of Idealization: A Personal Reflection
I remember, early in my own creative journey, being drawn to this image. The idea that suffering somehow validated artistic expression felt… appealing. It offered a justification for my own anxieties and insecurities. I believed that to create something truly meaningful, I needed to feel deeply, even if that meant experiencing pain.
This mindset was incredibly damaging.It led to a period of self-sabotage and unhealthy coping mechanisms. It wasn’t until I began prioritizing my mental well-being that my work actually improved.
* Imitation vs. Inspiration: There’s a crucial difference between being inspired by an artist’s work and attempting to replicate their life.
* The Illusion of Authenticity: Suffering doesn’t automatically equate to authenticity.True authenticity comes from honest self-expression, irrespective of emotional state.
* The Importance of Boundaries: Protecting your mental health is not a barrier to creativity; it’s a prerequisite.
healthy Channels for Emotional Expression
The desire to explore arduous emotions through art is natural and healthy. Though, it’s essential to do so in a way that doesn’t compromise your well-being.
- Therapy & Counseling: Seeking professional help provides a safe and supportive space to process emotions and develop healthy coping strategies.
- Mindfulness & Meditation: These practices can help you cultivate self-awareness and emotional regulation.
- Creative Outlets: Engage in activities that allow you to express your emotions in a constructive way – writing, painting, music, dance, etc.
- Support networks: Connect with friends, family, or support groups who can offer encouragement and understanding.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and exercise. These essential aspects of self-care have a profound impact on mental health.
Reframing the Narrative: Celebrating Resilience, Not Just Suffering
It’s time to move beyond the romanticization of suffering and celebrate the resilience, strength, and dedication of artists. Phoenix and ledger were brilliant because of their talent,their work ethic,and their willingness to take risks – not in spite of their struggles.
let’s admire their artistry, learn from their craft, and acknowledge their humanity, but let’s also prioritize our own well-being and reject the dangerous myth of the “tortured artist.” True creativity flourishes not in the darkness of despair,but in the light of self-awareness and self-compassion.
