At this year's Venice International Film Festival, a film that has been whispered about for months finally premiered - Smashing Machine, the directorial debut of Benny Safdie, known for his raw cinematic portraits that embellish nothing - not even sweat stains.
Smashing Machine, a production by the famous studio A24 has stepped into the octagon (or at least very close to it) this time, as it is a biographical drama that left the audience in Venice speechless... except, of course, for the 15-minute enthusiastic applause that almost exceeded the length of the average cage fight.
When life elbows you in the face (and you say, "More, please!")
The Rock, who is no longer The Rock
The main role is played by none other than Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, but be careful – this it is not that Johnson from the franchise Fast & Furious, who moves helicopters with one hand. This time he's unrecognizable (literally – thanks to his stunning prosthetics) as he portrays the legendary UFC fighter Mark Kerr – a man who fought with world champions and at the same time with his own inner monsters.
Johnson always has magic by his side Emily Blunt, who plays his partner Dawn Staples – and let's face it, she can play Mary Poppins convincingly and a soldier in Edge of Tomorrow, then she is also believable in the role of a woman standing next to a man whose job involves regularly receiving knees in the face.
The film also features some of the biggest names in the world of martial arts, including: Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, Oleksandr Usyk and – the surprise of the evening – Croatian Japanese Satoshi Ishii as Enson Inoue, Kerr's legendary opponent from the 2000 Grand Prix.
More than just a fight: When muscles don't help against loneliness
The film not only showcases Kerr's fighting victories, but also bravely delves into what we call "the background of the show." Addiction, pressures, interpersonal relationships, and questions that have no easy answers, are the common thread of the film. As the director says Benny Safdie, he was drawn to the contradiction of the 1990s in the martial arts world – brutal fights and at the same time a sense of brotherhood among fighters.
And indeed, at a time when the UFC was not yet a shiny corporation with millions of followers, it was about a real jungle of martial arts styles, where you had to first defeat your opponent – and then have a beer with them. Or at least an ice pack.
Applause, tears and torn shirts
According to the projection, Johnson, Blunt, Safdie and Mark Kerr in person stepped before the audience, which greeted them with what was sometimes called "movie magic" - the hall roared with applause, not because of the special effects, but because of reality, vulnerability and pure human struggle, which the film shows without a filter.
Johnson later stated:
"Hollywood is all about box office hits. I've done them myself - some great, some just... meh. But I always wanted something more. This movie was my 'more.'"
He spoke about artistic challenge, about a role that requires more than lifting weights and smiling – and judging by the audience's response, he succeeded.
Knockout for emotions
Smashing Machine is more than a biography – it is a real emotional fight, where the blows are measured not only in newtons, but also in feelings. The film does not entertain with blows, but shows what you have to go through to stay on your feet, even when life knocks you down.
Coming to domestic cinemas October 3, and if you're looking for something that will shake you up more than an espresso after a sleepless night – this is a must-see. Get your tissues ready. And maybe a heart protector.
