Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stars in the new biopic The Smashing Machine, portraying troubled MMA champion Mark Kerr amid his struggles with addiction and his tumultuous relationship with his girlfriend Dawn, reports BritPanorama.
This film, which adapts the 2002 documentary of the same name, showcases Kerr’s tumultuous journey through the chaotic world of mixed martial arts during its early years, a period marked by both brutal competition and ethical ambiguities concerning practices such as eye-gouging. Kerr, portrayed by Johnson, battles not only opponents inside the ring but also his inner demons fueled by opioid addiction.
The portrayal of Kerr is complex; Johnson captures both his insecurities and ferocity, revealing a character trapped in a muscular body marred by scars and injuries. The narrative spans from 1997 to 2002, starting with Kerr’s rise as an undefeated champion, charting his descent into addiction, and culminating in a pivotal moment of redemption. Through a nuanced performance, Johnson avoids clichés, painting Kerr as both vulnerable and volatile, oscillating between destructive behavior and moments of introspection.
Directed by Benny Safdie in his first solo project, the film retains an intimate quality, steering clear of the typical melodrama found in sports biopics. Instead, it allows Johnson’s physicality to narrate much of Kerr’s story, sidestepping the need for excessive exposition. Safdie, influenced by 1970s cinema, delves into Kerr’s rehabilitation process and his enabling relationship with Dawn, played by Emily Blunt, while also incorporating the raw energy of actual MMA fighters like Ryan Bader and boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk in supporting roles, enhancing the film’s authenticity.
Through Kerr’s journey, The Smashing Machine explores the true cost of victory and the performative nature of masculinity in combat sports. Although the themes may not offer groundbreaking revelations, Johnson’s compelling depiction of Mark Kerr stands out as a significant performance, echoing the complex realities faced by those in the world of competitive fighting.
