Dwayne Johnson transforms into Mark Kerr in groundbreaking role
- Dwayne Johnson's dramatic role in The Smashing Machine focuses on the life of MMA fighter Mark Kerr and his struggles.
- Mark Kerr is portrayed as a complex character dealing with addiction and a volatile personal life.
- The film has generated early Oscar buzz following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
In Venice, Italy, Dwayne Johnson, known for his action-packed roles, premiered his film, The Smashing Machine, during the Venice Film Festival. The film takes a deeper look into the life of Mark Kerr, a former MMA fighter who faced significant challenges including addiction. It is a stark departure from Johnson's typical roles, moving away from CGI-heavy blockbusters to a more grounded, dramatic portrayal. Early reactions included a 15-minute standing ovation, bringing the actor to tears, and sparking Oscar buzz regarding his performance. The film is directed by Benny Safdie, whose previous work includes Uncut Gems and reflects on Kerr's turbulent life, emphasizing both his athletic accomplishments and personal struggles. Scheduled for release in North American theaters on October 3, both Johnson and co-star Emily Blunt joined forces to promote the film, emphasizing the challenges they faced in portraying complicated characters in emotionally intense scenarios. The transformation of Johnson into Kerr necessitated extensive use of prosthetics, allowing him to authentically embody the character's struggles and journey.