Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson said in Venice on Monday that he had sought a role Hollywood might not necessarily embrace in his portrayal of real-life wrestling and MMA legend Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s new film ‘The Smashing Machine’.
The Smashing Machine is competing for the Golden Lion at the 82nd edition of the world’s oldest film festival.
Fists, blood and tenderness define the latest action drama starring the American actor, producer, wrestler and business executive.
Based on a gripping true story, The Smashing Machine follows the intense journey of Mark Kerr, a legendary wrestling, vale tudo and MMA champion who made combat sports history and earned a place in the prestigious UFC Hall of Fame.
Bout after bout, battle after battle, the film pushes past the spotlight of sporting triumphs to reveal the story of Kerr both inside and outside the ring. It explores the emotional turmoil and contradictions of a man destined for legend.
“I wanted to make a film like this, different from my usual ones,” Johnson said. “In Hollywood, everything revolves around the box office, and they push you into a corner. They want you to represent only what people expect you to be.
“I’ve made many successful films that I enjoyed, some funny and some less so, but this time I was looking for something deeper, to tell stories that come from my past.”
ANSA