"It's Heartbreaking": Christopher Nolan Says This Dwayne Johnson Performance Is the Best of the Year
Even though the film isn't a massive hit, Dwayne Johnson's performance in it will go down as one of the highlights of his career.
Dwayne Johnson, known for his roles in comedy blockbusters, took an unexpected creative turn with the dramatic biopic The Smashing Machine.
The movie received a mixed reception at the box office but found influential defenders – Christopher Nolan expressed his admiration for Johnson's work.
Christopher Nolan Has Nothing but Praise for Dwayne Johnson's Performance in 'The Smashing Machine'
In an episode of The Director's Cut podcast, Nolan expressed his disappointment with the film's box office performance. So far, it has only grossed $14 million against a $50 million budget.
However, Nolan praised The Smashing Machine's main star, Dwayne Johnson:
“It's heartbreaking. I think it's an incredible performance. I don't think you'll see a better performance this year.”
What Is 'The Smashing Machine' About?
This biographical drama chronicles the life of Mark Kerr, a pioneer of the UFC in the late 1990s. Unlike typical sports dramas, The Smashing Machine focuses not on the athlete's rise to the championship title but on his internal crisis.
At the height of his fame, Kerr turns to opioid painkillers to cope with the aftermath of grueling fights, descending deeper into addiction.
The movie explores how drugs destroy his career, relationships, and identity, forcing Kerr to confront the collapse of his life.
'The Smashing Machine' Is One of the Best Roles in Dwayne Johnson's Career
This performance was a true breakthrough for Dwayne Johnson, showcasing his dramatic range. Usually associated with impenetrable, all-mighty heroes, the actor emerges as an incredibly vulnerable and complex character.
Johnson masterfully conveys the different sides of Kerr: the fierce fighter in the ring, the amiable media personality in public, and the broken, aggressive man behind closed doors.
Johnson successfully conveys the tragedy of a man whose outward strength and power are betrayed by inner weakness and dependence. This role proves that behind the Rock persona lies an actor capable of deep, psychologically authentic performances.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'The Smashing Machine'?
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The Smashing Machine has 71% from critics and 76% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
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On IMDb, the movie has a score of 6.8/10.
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On Letterboxd, The Smashing Machine is scored 3.3/5.0.
Where to Watch 'The Smashing Machine'?
The Smashing Machine is currently in theaters.
