Dwayne Johnson Receives Critical Acclaim As Mark Kerr In “The Smashing Machine”
Following the world premiere of ‘”The Smashing Machine” at the Venice International Film Festival on September 1, Dwayne Johnson is earning mass praise, with some saying he could be in line for an Oscar.
Johnson plays Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, whose career was marred by a public battle with substance abuse. To prepare for the role, Johnson spent up to four hours in a chair as 13 to 14 prosthetic pieces were applied to his face and body. His physical transformation, coupled with his performance, has left critics stunned.
Emily Blunt, who played Kerr’s wife Dawn Staples, was also praised with some putting her in the conversation for an Oscar nomination too. The film will hit theaters in the U.S and the UK on October 3, but is already a major success as it received an over 15 minute standing ovation at the Venice film festival, bringing Johnson to tears.
Reception
“Johnson gives a performance of immense pathos, intensity and depth – one that looks bound to win him awards recognition.” – Geoffrey Macnab, The Independent
“Johnson drops ‘The Rock’ from his identity in all senses to reveal a heartfelt core.” – Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire
“What [Kerr is] carrying around deep inside him — the thing that makes him a smashing machine — is a rage he scarcely knows what to do with. And that’s where Dwayne Johnson’s revelatory performance begins.” – Owen Gleiberman, Variety
“You could give a couple of acting awards to the Rock’s shoulder blades and rhomboids and I’m not sure anyone would complain. He’s by far the best thing in the movie.” – Bilge Ebiri, Vulture
The “unified ability” of Johnson and Blunt “to play into each other’s performances in a manner that complements rather than overshadows is pitch-perfect.” – Yasmine Kandil, DiscussingFilm
“A bittersweet fusion of compassion and arrogance that makes Dawn a searingly authentic and touching character.” – Owen Gleiberman, Variety
“A blazingly good, blue-collar and freshly blown-out Emily Blunt as his codependent girlfriend and eventual wife Dawn Staples-Kerr.” – Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire
“A unified ability to play into each other’s performances in a manner that complements rather than overshadows is pitch-perfect.” – Yasmine Kandil, DiscussingFilm