First Impressions from Venice
The initial reviews for The Smashing Machine, the directorial debut of indie favorite Benny Safdie, have started to emerge following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival. The film features Dwayne Johnson alongside Emily Blunt and centers on fighter Mark Kerr, portrayed by Johnson, during the tumultuous no-holds-barred era of the UFC. The storyline delves into Kerr’s internal struggles with his identity, life, and relationships, while his girlfriend, Dawn Staples, played by Blunt, navigates the challenges of being in a turbulent partnership.
Mixed Reviews but Strong Performances
Early critical reception is varied, but many reviewers agree on the remarkable quality of Johnson’s performance. Damon Wise from Deadline remarked, “Dwayne Johnson owns the whole thing with his truly remarkable work as fighter Mark Kerr, disappearing so fully underneath Kazu Hiru’s astonishing prosthetics that the opening of the film, presented as contemporary footage from an event in Sao Paulo 1997, looks genuinely like the real thing.”
The Independent echoed this sentiment, lauding Johnson with the headline, “Dwayne Johnson is a real actor, and potentially a future Oscar winner.” However, they noted that the film struggles to maintain its narrative momentum, stating it “begins to seem very hollow.” The review highlighted that “the real way Safdie puts a chokehold on his audience is by examining Mark and Dawn’s physical and emotional weaknesses in such forensic detail,” suggesting that while it diverges from conventional sports movie expectations, it offers a raw and vulnerable portrayal of Johnson unheard of in his typical action roles.
Critique of the Film’s Approach
Indiewire also praised Johnson’s suitability for the role, commenting that he skillfully navigates the contrast between Mark’s imposing presence in the octagon and his more vulnerable self outside of it. Little White Lies commended the performances of both Johnson and Blunt, emphasizing the film’s unconventional take on the sports drama genre. They noted that Safdie “shuns the trappings of traditional sporting biopics obsessed with the concept of sacrificing everything in the name of victory.” The outlet drew comparisons to John Hyams’ raw 1997 documentary, which inspired the film’s title, pointing out that while some key moments have been recreated, the film’s narrative benefits from a streamlined storytelling approach.
Criticism and Challenges
Not all feedback has been favorable. Vulture described The Smashing Machine as “too soft for its own good,” suggesting that Johnson’s performance stands out while the rest of the film fades into the background. The review pointed out that while it does depict Kerr’s struggles with opioid addiction and his relationship with Blunt’s character, these facets feel underexplored, particularly concerning Dawn’s frustrations.
Variety highlighted Johnson’s performance as a “revelation” and praised Safdie’s subtle examination of Kerr’s fame. They noted, “The Smashing Machine isn’t a sports movie that wants to jerk a Pavlovian response of triumph out of us. It’s after something subtler and more moving.” The review concluded that by the film’s end, Mark has undergone a profound transformation, discovering a deeper part of himself beyond his athlete persona.
Theatrical Release
A24 is set to release The Smashing Machine in theaters on October 3, while the Venice Film Festival will continue until September 6.
