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Dwayne Johnson earns career-best acclaim at Venice for The Smashing Machine, a gritty MMA biopic that reveals his raw vulnerability and dramatic range.
The Smashing Machine will feature Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr. (Photo Credit: X)
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has entered what may be the most defining chapter of his acting journey. His latest film, The Smashing Machine, premiered at the Venice Film Festival on September 1, and the audience response was staggering. After unveiling a dramatically leaner look on the red carpet, Johnson broke down in tears as the film received an extraordinary 15-minute standing ovation.
A Gritty Biopic with Emotional Depth
Directed by Benny Safdie, The Smashing Machine is an arthouse retelling of the acclaimed 2002 HBO documentary about Mark Kerr, a legendary MMA fighter whose rise and struggles predated the sport’s mainstream explosion. Known for his physical dominance, Kerr’s story also exposed a fragile human side — a dichotomy that Johnson embodies with surprising conviction.
Early reactions praised Johnson’s ability to balance raw power with emotional nuance. One review called the film “a sincerely raw sports biopic on the gritty & brutal, real & emotional fights we face in & out the ring. Johnson bleeds vulnerability onto the screen in an undisputed knockout performance worth every ounce of blood, sweat & tears.”
Safdie’s direction has also been highlighted for its authenticity and layered narrative. “The Smashing Machine stands out for its authenticity & raw portrayal. Safdie’s direction balances the brutality of the ring with a humane & heartfelt narrative. The chemistry between Johnson & Blunt is genuine & touching, elevating the drama with shocking emotional depth,” read one glowing reaction.
Polarised Reactions but Career-Best Acclaim
Not all critics were entirely convinced. Some drew comparisons to films like The Wrestler, arguing that the arc of the “tough man with hidden vulnerability” feels familiar. One viewer commented, “Well-made, performances are solid, but an otherwise generic version of this story we’ve seen so many times before.”
Another noted flaws in character writing, saying Emily Blunt’s role was underdeveloped despite her strong performance: “Blunt does her best to uplift a badly written role.” Others saw Johnson’s shift into drama as calculated Oscar-bait after years of blockbuster dominance.
Yet even detractors admitted that Johnson’s performance marks new ground for the actor. For a star best known for indestructible action heroes, this role reveals an earnest vulnerability that could reshape his career.
With Venice audiences delivering a thunderous ovation and critics largely hailing his portrayal as a career-best, The Smashing Machine positions Johnson not just as a global superstar, but as a serious contender for awards recognition.
Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, …Read More
Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, … Read More
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