Contemplating 'The Smashing Machine': Dwayne Johnson unleashes raw power as a troubled fighter in Benny Safdie's grim and somber MMA film
In the world of sports biopics, "The Smashing Machine" stands out as a unique and powerful exploration of the early years of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Directed by Benny Safdie, this standalone directorial effort offers a raw and unfiltered look into the life of a professional athlete, Mark Kerr, an ex-college wrestler who made a name for himself in the early UFC.
The film features a compelling cast, mixing trained actors with regular people, to bring the unglamorous period in the world of mixed martial arts to life. Dwayne Johnson takes on the role of Mark Kerr, delivering a performance that captures the spirit of the UFC legend. However, in a late switcheroo, the actual Mark Kerr briefly replaces Johnson, appearing 25 years later and looking significantly different.
Bas Rutten, a UFC legend in his own right, plays Kerr's trainer for his final bouts, providing a sense of authenticity to the film's portrayal of the UFC. Ryan Bader delivers a convincing performance as Mark Coleman, Kerr's best bud and fellow MMA fighter.
"The Smashing Machine" is not your typical rise-and-fall fight flick delivering a "Rocky"-style knockout. Instead, it tells stories carried by protagonists often addicted to something, underscoring the mental anguish that Kerr experiences both in and out of the ring. The film's script, grungy and unflashy, is shot with a documentary-style approach by DP Maceo Bishop, adding to the film's stylized moody realism.
The UFC, as depicted in the film, is portrayed as a fringe organization with poorly paid brawls often ending in blood. The film's costume design reflects the late-90s, a time when the world of mixed martial arts was still finding its footing.
Emily Blunt plays Kerr's longtime girlfriend, Dawn, who poses a greater threat to him than any of his opponents. Her character adds a layer of complexity to the film, making it more than just a sports drama.
Set between 1997 and 2000, "The Smashing Machine" has a downbeat vibe enlivened by flashes of raw humor and kinetic energy. It's a film that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll.
In conclusion, "The Smashing Machine" is a must-watch for fans of sports biopics and those interested in the early days of the UFC. It's a gritty, unapologetic look at a time when mixed martial arts was still finding its place in the sporting world.
