‘Marty Supreme’ and ‘Heated Rivalry’ Both Traffic in Stereotypes. Maybe That’s Not a Bad Thing

Share on Facebook Share on X Google Preferred Share to Flipboard Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Send an Email Print the Article Post a Comment Beyond the fact that they both technically belong in the genre of “sports,” the Jewish table-tennis-hustler film Marty Supreme and the spicy gay hockey TV series Heated Rivalry seem to have almost nothing in common. And yet Josh Safdie’s Oscar contender and Jacob Tierney’s TV phenomenon have riled up parts of their audience in similar ways. Both works, critics say, display uncomfortable stereotypes that have been used to marginalize their respective Jewish and gay populations for a very long time. In the case of Marty Mauser, it’s the persona of a grasping, lying shyster who will do anything and sell anyone out for money. For Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, it’s a depiction as psych-textbook caricatures, the two muscularly embodying the narcissistic, decadent compulsion for sex with zero attachment and intimacy. And so for all their acclaim and popularity, the pieces have been slammed by these critics for playing to ugly tropes. Further complicating the sense of betrayal is the fact that Marty Supreme was created by Safdie, who is Jewish, and Heated Rivalry was created by Tierney, who is gay. Related Stories TV Demi Lovato to Perform at GLAAD Awards, 'Heated Rivalry' Cast and Creatives Confirmed to Attend THR Cover Story Benicio Del Toro on Bonding With Leo, Rewriting PTA and His First Oscar Nom in Decades Nor do the characters play to affectionate Hollywood type in any way. Marty is not cultured, colorful and neurotic with a penchant for Yiddish outbursts. Ilya and Shane are not sensitive, stylish and creative and don’t have a drag scene. Instead, Marty lies to everyone, holds a co-worker at gunpoint for his pay and, infamously, makes a shocking wisecrack about Auschwitz. Meanwhile, over years of random, closeted and compulsive encounter...