The Smashing Machine is a sports biopic that strays from the well-worn path of inspirational narratives, choosing instead to explore the more nuanced and often unflattering aspects of a professional athlete’s life. Directed by Benny Safdie, this film represents both an artistic evolution for the director and a challenging role for its star, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The movie aims to provide an intimate glimpse into the life of MMA fighter Mark Kerr, a character illustrated not just through triumphs but also through the internal struggles that accompany competitive sports.
### Character Study Over Sentimentality
The film’s narrative deliberately sidesteps the emotional highs and lows typical of conventional sports dramas. Instead of focusing solely on Kerr’s rise and downfall, Safdie wades into the murky waters of addiction, self-doubt, and the complex dynamics of personal relationships. Johnson, who is often recognized for his roles as the ultimate hero, takes on a darker character, providing a new dimension to his filmography. However, the film’s commitment to authenticity often overshadows emotional resonance. The script appears overly cautious, sidestepping moments where the audience could connect more deeply with both Johnson’s performance and Kerr’s experiences.
### Cinematic Approach: Grit and Realism
Visually, The Smashing Machine employs a documentary-style technique, echoing the conventions of the 2002 HBO documentary that shares its name. This approach includes handheld camera work that immerses the audience into the chaos of the ring while adding layers of rawness to the storytelling. The film’s cinematographer, Maceo Bishop, captures the sweat, scars, and emotional turmoil of fighters in a way that feels raw and honest. It also integrates well-known MMA fighters who play fictionalized versions of themselves, contributing to the film’s authenticity but sometimes detracting from the main narrative.
### Complex Relationships
A significant aspect of the film revolves around Kerr’s relationship with his girlfriend Dawn, portrayed by Emily Blunt. The couple grapples with the challenges posed by Kerr’s volatile nature and addiction struggles. While their interactions are laden with tension, the film often feels ambiguous about whether it wants the audience to root for their relationship or question its viability. Moments of banal argument, such as disputes over milk choices, serve to illustrate the weight of addiction but also risk making the characters seem trivial rather than complex.
### The Contest for Connection
Safdie’s vision appears to focus more on the sport’s evolution and the external pressures athletes face rather than delving into the emotional depths of its lead character. The decision to keep the camera at a distance during fight scenes, for instance, juxtaposes the audience’s understanding of the sport’s brutality with a sense of detachment from the competitors’ internal experiences. Instead of rooting for Kerr’s victories, viewers might find themselves contemplating the rules of MMA or the sport’s history, highlighting an interesting but ultimately dissatisfying disconnect from the characters’ journeys.
### The Oscar Potential and Its Challenges
Critically lauded as Dwayne Johnson’s potential Oscar play, one begins to wonder whether the film’s take on transformation—both physically and emotionally—will resonate with Academy voters. Johnson’s exaggerated physical transformation through prosthetics, crafted by two-time Oscar winner Kazu Hiro, is one step toward pulling off an award-worthy performance. But is his portrayal of Kerr truly a departure from his own persona? The film largely keeps the audience at arm’s length, making it difficult to engage with the character’s emotional depth.
### Final Thoughts
Ultimately, The Smashing Machine has the ambition to offer a fresh perspective on the sports biopic genre, but it falls short in delivering a compelling narrative that invites viewers to invest fully in its characters. While perfecting the balance between a raw, documentary-style approach and character depth, it could have transformed Johnson’s performance into a more profound exploration of masculinity, vulnerability, and redemption. The film invites audiences to reflect on the life of Mark Kerr, but leaves them pondering who these characters truly are—and why that matters.
As Johnson ventures into more serious roles, this film may serve as a significant step in his career. However, whether it is enough to secure an Oscar nomination remains uncertain. Its unique approach could either stand as a revolutionary take on the genre or become a footnote in the narrative of sports films. Regardless, The Smashing Machine opens a dialogue about the complexities of athleticism, personal identity, and the often-unseen struggles that accompany success. For both audiences and critics, it raises fundamental questions about connection, authenticity, and the societal pressures placed upon athletes, making it a noteworthy entry in the evolving landscape of cinematic storytelling.
In its quest to depict a flawed human experience, The Smashing Machine ultimately asks us to consider: what does it truly mean to succeed or fail in the eyes of others, and what burdens do we secretly carry on our paths to achievement?
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