Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's performance in "The Smashing Machine" is being hailed as a career-defining moment, but the film's box office numbers are telling a different story. Is it a hidden gem destined for future appreciation, or is something else at play? Despite its less-than-stellar performance at the box office, sitting at a modest $14 million worldwide after nearly two weeks in theaters, "The Smashing Machine" has found a major champion in none other than Christopher Nolan.
The acclaimed director has lauded Dwayne Johnson's portrayal of MMA fighter Mark Kerr as "incredible." But here's where it gets controversial... Nolan didn't just offer polite praise; he went on record saying, "I think it’s an incredible performance. I don’t think you’ll see a better performance this year or most other years." Nolan made this bold statement on "The Director’s Cut" podcast, hosted by Benny Safdie, the director of "The Smashing Machine." That's high praise coming from the director of films like "Oppenheimer," "Inception," and "The Dark Knight" trilogy.
Nolan further elaborated, suggesting the film's impact will grow over time. He told Safdie, "It’s a really remarkable and radical piece of work that will be understood more and more over time." This raises the question: could "The Smashing Machine" become a cult classic, appreciated more deeply years down the line? Think of films like "Blade Runner" or "Fight Club," which initially divided audiences but are now considered masterpieces.
And this is the part most people miss... Safdie revealed he was juggling acting in Nolan's "Oppenheimer" with developing "The Smashing Machine." Nolan humorously recounted hearing rumors of Safdie using his time on the "Oppenheimer" set to recruit people for his own film. "I heard a rumor that when you were supposed to be learning your lines on my set, you were actually canvassing people to be in your movie," Nolan joked. "I wasn’t aware of that at the time, but it seems to have worked out great for you."
"The Smashing Machine" delves into the life of Mark Kerr, showcasing his meteoric rise in the early days of MMA, ultimately leading to a UFC championship. However, the film doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of Kerr's journey, including his struggles with painkiller addiction and the volatile dynamic with his girlfriend, Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt. The film portrays the immense physical and psychological toll this took on his life and career. It's a raw and unflinching look at the human cost of ambition and the challenges of addiction.
Johnson addressed the film's box office performance on social media, expressing gratitude to those who watched it. "From deep in my grateful bones, thank you to everyone who has watched The Smashing Machine," Johnson wrote. He emphasized that while he couldn't control box office results, he could control his performance and commitment to the role. "In our storytelling world, you can’t control box office results — but what I realized you can control is your performance, and your commitment to completely disappear and go elsewhere. And I will always run to that opportunity. It was my honor to transform in this role for my director Benny Safdie. Thank you brother for believing in me. Truth is this film has changed my life."
Our very own Chris Bumbray praised the film, predicting success for A24 due to critical acclaim and Johnson's dedicated fanbase eager to see him in a different light. "The Smashing Machine should prove to be a success for A24 in every way once it gets its theatrical release, as critics will respect it while Johnson’s many fans will be dying to see him in something so different from the rest of his filmography. He’s done an excellent job reinventing himself, and no one can deny The Smashing Machine was well worth the effort all involved put into it." You can read his full review here (link provided in original content).
So, what do you think? Is Christopher Nolan right about Dwayne Johnson's performance being one of the best of the year? Is the box office failure a sign of the film's quality, or is it simply a matter of time before "The Smashing Machine" finds its audience? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below! Do you think audiences are ready to see Dwayne Johnson in such a vulnerable and challenging role? Let's discuss!
