DWAYNE “THE ROCK” JOHNSON SET TO SHOWCASE HIS RANGE IN NEW MOVIE:THE SMASHING MACHINE
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BY OWOLABI OLUWADARA
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stated on Monday that a “profound urge” to articulate himself as an actor motivated him to embrace a role in “The Smashing Machine,” which was scheduled to debut at the Venice Film Festival.
Primarily recognized as a wrestler transformed into a blockbuster action film protagonist, the 53-year-old remarked that he sensed a certain pressure within Hollywood where the “box office is prominent,” which can “constrain you into a classification and into a predicament. ”
“I understood that, and I made those movies, and I liked them, and they were fun, and some were really good and did well, and some not so,” said the “Fast and Furious” star, appearing at his first European festival.
“I recently experienced an intense longing accompanied by an inner voice that questioned, ‘What if? What if there is more, and what if I am capable? ’” Johnson remarked regarding the challenge of pushing his limits.
The role in “The Smashing Machine” appeared ideally suited for him. He portrays wrestler Mark Kerr, a real-life trailblazing mixed martial arts fighter from the onset of this century.
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However, Kerr—unlike many of Johnson’s previous characters—presents as a complex and flawed individual.
He embodies a gentle yet troubled persona who struggled with addiction, and his tumultuous relationship with his ex-wife Dawn (portrayed by Emily Blunt) constitutes the essence of the two-hour film directed by American filmmaker Benny Safdie.
“The film is not centered on combat. It’s a love story about Mark and Dawn and their relationship,” Johnson stated, while also disclosing that he had to increase his physique for the role at Safdie’s suggestion.
While Johnson acknowledged his “best friend” Blunt for motivating him to reveal his true self, Blunt praised Johnson’s performance.
“One of the most remarkable aspects was witnessing him completely transform, almost eerily,” she shared with reporters.
“I remember when you walked in as Mark for the first time. It changed the air in the room.”
The duo had already acted together, in Disney-made “Jungle Cruise” in 2021.
Kerr, who is also in Venice to promote the film, told AFP he was delighted with the outcome.
“It’s almost impossible to describe just the amount of detail and everything that went into it,” the 56-year-old said.
Asked about Johnson’s portrayal of him, he said: “I have a 20-year-old son who saw it and he could not believe it.”
“The Smashing Machine” is one of 21 films vying for the top Golden Lion prize at Venice, which will be handed out on Saturday.
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