Dwayne Johnson takes on a transformative role in the new biopic The Smashing Machine, where he portrays real-life mixed martial arts champion Mark Kerr. The film, directed by Josh Safdie, offers a deep dive into the life of Kerr, exploring his rise and fall within the MMA world.
Johnson, known for his action-hero persona, is nearly unrecognizable in this role, not only due to the physical transformation aided by makeup and his personal trainer but also through his portrayal of Kerr’s complex character. The film captures Kerr as a smooth talker with a carefully crafted public persona, yet never truly at ease, both in the ring and in his personal life.
The Character of Mark Kerr
In The Smashing Machine, Kerr is depicted as an obsessive individual with precise yet constantly shifting ideas about his life. His need to win is portrayed as an all-consuming drive, one that leads to his eventual downfall. The film follows his decline into opioid addiction and the decay of his relationship with his girlfriend Dawn, played by Emily Blunt.
Set in the late 1990s, the narrative unfolds as Kerr’s career begins to crumble, leading to an attempt at a comeback. The film’s depiction of Kerr’s struggle is reminiscent of Martin Scorsese’s Raging Bull, where the hero’s internal battles are as significant as the physical ones.
Josh Safdie’s Directorial Approach
This film marks Josh Safdie’s first solo directorial project, known for his previous collaborations with his brother Benny, such as Good Time and Uncut Gems. These films are character studies of extreme personalities, and The Smashing Machine follows in this vein with a quasi-documentary style that is both urgent and consciously old-fashioned.
The film captures an era before mixed martial arts became a global industry, with many of the fight scenes set in Japan. Actual fighters, including former heavyweight champion Ryan Bader, contribute to the authenticity of the supporting cast.
Comparisons and Critiques
While The Smashing Machine shares similarities with earlier Safdie films, it also drifts between a conventional sports biopic and a more introspective character study. The domestic scenes, primarily verbal confrontations between Mark and Dawn, are some of the most gripping moments, highlighting the potential for physical violence.
However, the film falls short in exploring Kerr’s background, leaving viewers with unanswered questions about his relentless yet fragile nature. Additionally, Johnson’s age is a noticeable discrepancy, as he is about twenty years older than Kerr during the events depicted. Yet, his transformation is compelling enough to overshadow this detail for much of the film.
Implications and Future Prospects
The Smashing Machine not only sheds light on the personal struggles of a sports legend but also highlights the broader issues within the world of mixed martial arts, including the pressures that come with fame and the personal costs of success. As the film reaches audiences, it may spark discussions about the mental health challenges faced by athletes.
Looking forward, Dwayne Johnson’s performance in this biopic could open doors for more roles that challenge his established on-screen persona. For Josh Safdie, this film could pave the way for more solo projects that explore complex characters and narratives.
As audiences engage with The Smashing Machine, it remains to be seen how this portrayal will impact perceptions of both Dwayne Johnson as an actor and Mark Kerr as a historical figure in the MMA world.
