The Reception of "The Smashing Machine"
Opinions on the documentary The Smashing Machine vary globally. Some believe it warrants Oscar talks, while others see it as another shortcoming for Dwayne Johnson.
Dwayne Johnson’s Performance
Johnson plays Mark Kerr, an MMA fighter battling addiction and coping with loss. His portrayal follows closely the documentary The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr, recreating some scenes exactly.
Realism and Acting Challenges
- Real fighters like Ryan Bader and Oleksandr Usyk appear to enhance authenticity.
- Belief in the performances is crucial to conveying realism, a skill Johnson has struggled with in the past.
- Johnson has faced criticism for often acting like himself rather than developing distinct characters.
Johnson’s Acting
In this film, Johnson delivers a remarkable performance by altering his mannerisms, voice, and body language to embody Kerr.
Other Discussions
Another major topic has been whether Emily Blunt was underused in the film.
Author's summary: The film showcases Johnson’s adept transformation into Kerr, highlighting his acting growth, while also sparking debate over the use of Emily Blunt’s talents.