Revealed on: Sept 03, 2025 12:51 am IST
Shedding his blockbuster picture, Dwayne Johnson debuted a susceptible aspect in MMA biopic The Smashing Machine
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson simply had one of many largest nights of his performing profession. The wrestler-turned-actor unveiled his newest movie, The Smashing Machine, on the Venice Movie Competition on September 1, debuting not only a highly effective new function but additionally a placing new look. A lot slimmer, Johnson walked the crimson carpet earlier than breaking down in tears when the movie obtained a thunderous 15-minute standing ovation.
Concerning the film
The film, directed by Benny Safdie, is an arthouse retelling of the 2002 HBO documentary about Mark Kerr, a pioneering MMA fighter who dominated the game earlier than it exploded into mainstream fame and fortune. Johnson’s commanding display presence makes him a pure match for Kerr, mixing uncooked physicality with stunning vulnerability.
Early reactions: reward and polarisation
On-line reactions poured in quickly after the premiere, with many hailing it as Johnson’s strongest efficiency but.
“That is already a win for the rock. Profession finest opinions + attainable golden globe nom. It might be the primary for him,” learn one Reddit remark. One other evaluation gushed: “#TheSmashingMachine is a sincerely uncooked sports activities biopic on the gritty & brutal, actual & emotional fights we face in & out the ring. Johnson bleeds vulnerability onto the display in an undisputed knockout efficiency price each ounce of blood, sweat & tears. Blunt the PERFECT match.” Some, nonetheless, noticed technique in Johnson’s efficiency. “Dwayne Johnson proves he can do “critical” in #TheSmashingMachine however let’s be clear: this isn’t nearly craft, it’s about awards recognition. Enjoying fragile after years of invincible trashy blockbusters is calculated Oscar-bait, not a revelation. Preserve it in thoughts. #Venezia82.” Others highlighted the movie’s course and emotional depth: “THE SMASHING MACHINE stands out for its authenticity & uncooked portrayal. Safdie’s course balances the brutality of the ring w/ a humane & heartfelt narrative. The chemistry between Johnson & Blunt is real & touching, elevating the drama w/ stunning emotional depth.”
However not everybody was satisfied. “The Smashing Machine – It is positive. Nicely-made, performances are strong, however an in any other case generic model of this story we have so many occasions earlier than. The Wrestler, and many others. Large powerful man not so powerful but additionally desires to win. Dwayne Johnson is admittedly good, sure, however that is about it.” One other famous: “THE SMASHING MACHINE finds Dwayne Johnson delivering an earnest and endearing efficiency in a movie that hardly ever finds itself breaking conference. Kerr’s battle has little selection, however Safdie tries to spend money on his journey. Blunt does her finest to uplift a badly written function.”
Whether or not or not the criticism sticks, The Smashing Machine marks a turning level for Johnson. Transferring away from his regular action-heavy blockbusters, the actor appears intent on proving his dramatic vary — and with Venice audiences on their toes for quarter-hour, Hollywood may simply be able to see him in a complete new mild.
