If you were to tell the seventeen-year-old version of this film critic, one that grew up with an almost equal love of movies and wrestling, that they would one day be on the Lido as an accredited member of press, watching “The Rock” star in a movie competing for The Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, they would never have believed you in a million years…
Dwayne Johnson may have found it hard to believe too back then, and yet here we are. And the truth is, he 100% deserves to be here with The Smashing Machine.
The decision to star in the biopic of UFC fighter Mark Kerr, directed by Benny Safdie, was a clear and conscious one by Johnson. He is someone who has built a very successful career since making the switch from the squared circle to the silver screen. Whilst the movies made big box office, it perhaps came at a cost. Being pigeonholed as an action star, or every role being a variation of the Johnson persona (especially if it required a grey tee or shirt).
There have been glimpses over the years, of a man who wanted something more. His roles in Southland Tales and Be Cool stand out, but this film truly allows him to flex his acting muscles, along with his ample and impressive real ones.
With his recognisable tattoos covered up with make-up, and donning a wig and facial prosthetics, Johnson disappears into the role of Mark Kerr, a softly-spoken, gentle giant outside of the ring, and a destructive force of nature inside it. He always himself to appear raw and vulnerable on screen for what feels like the first time and it is simply a revelation.
Kerr speaks at the beginning of the film about how winning is the ultimate high, “there is no better feeling in the world”.At the outset of his career, he was unstoppable. Undefeated. With that came an addiction to winning… along with an addiction to opioids and painkillers.
For a man who cannot entertain, let along conceive of, the notion of losing, Kerr will find himself put to the ultimate test when it all comes crashing down.
The screenplay follows the conventional sports movie/biopic structure. There is the rise, followed by the inevitable fall, before a montage that leads to the (hopefully) triumphant return.
With that comes the risk that the film could become just like every other in its genre. It needs something to help it stand out from the crowd. Cue Emily Blunt.
In this male dominated world of MMA and UFC, Mark’s partner Dawn makes a lasting impression. She is Kerr’s biggest cheerleader, but also the potential albatross around his neck. It is a wild, conflicted performance from Blunt, who is definitely the Best Supported Actress this year thanks to her push-up bra. Caring and nurturing one minute, then belittling and abusive the next. In a world away from their dynamic in Jungle Cruise, the two actors joust and battle with each other perfectly.
The big domestic argument scene where the couple go the full twelve rounds with each other, is, arguably, the most important and shocking fight in the film. And Blunt’s provocations cause Johnson to raise his game to a level we have never seen before.
Speaking of fight scenes, director Benny Safdie clearly knows the shadow of films such as Raging Bull, loom large over the ring. That is why he chooses to capture all the action from outside the ring. Therefore, the cinema audience experience the action, just as the real audiences did at the time. The distance makes the impacts no less impactful, as we can feel every strike, hear every hit.
Not only do the fighters take a lot of punishment, the audience are put through the mill through Kerr’s journey towards redemption. An emotional one that resonates thanks to a career-best performance from Dwayne Johnson that anchors the entire film.
In a world where winning is everything, Safdie ultimately crafts a tale about accepting that the world keeps on spinning, win or lose.
Equally hard-hitting and heartfelt, this is a superior entry in the world of sports biopics. The presence of Johnson and Academy-Award nominee Blunt, will likely result in The Smashing Machine becoming a smash hit. Maybe The Rock will find that box office success and awards recognition are not mutually exclusive after all.
The Smashing Machine is in cinemas from October 3
Rating: 
Director: Benny Safdie
Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader
Runtime: 123 minutes
Country: USA
