The hype surrounding The Smashing Machine has been astronomical and for good reason. It’s Benny Safdie ’s first solo directorial effort after working with his brother Josh on acclaimed hits like Good Time and Uncut Gems . Rumors of a massive budget make it possibly one of the most expensive films A24 has ever made as it makes a push for bigger films in general. And it’s Dwayne Johnson’s big Oscar vehicle, the box office giant’s first stab at a truly serious role.

To get in the headspace of former UFC fighter Mark Kerr , Johnson has transformed and spoken often about how tapping into this role brought him to a vulnerable state he hasn’t yet explored in his career. The big question out of the film’s Venice premiere was, does it all work? The answer is no.

The Smashing Machine

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