Dwayne Johnson Shines in Gritty Biopic of Pioneering UFC Fighter

In the new film "The Smashing Machine," Dwayne Johnson portrays Mark Kerr, a pioneering UFC fighter from the sport's early days. The movie, directed by Benny Safdie, provides an intimate and gritty look at Kerr's battles with drug and alcohol addiction as he navigates the challenges of his professional and personal life.

Safdie, who had been fascinated by Kerr's story for years, worked closely with Johnson to capture the emotional complexities of the fighter's journey. The director sought to delve into the smaller details of Kerr's life, using techniques like shooting on 16mm film and incorporating music to immerse the audience in his world.

One of the film's standout moments is a lengthy, intense argument scene between Kerr and his then-girlfriend, Dawn Staples, played by Emily Blunt. Safdie approached the sequence like a choreographed fight scene, breaking it into sections to highlight the nuances of the characters' interactions and emotions.

Overall, "The Smashing Machine" offers a raw and compelling portrait of a man driven to succeed in the ring but struggling to confront his personal demons. Dwayne Johnson's powerful performance is a testament to his versatility as an actor, and Safdie's meticulous direction brings Kerr's story to life in a way that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant.