The Smashing Machine Review

Plot

The Smashing Machine is a compelling dive into the life of Mark Kerr, an American wrestler and mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, who struggles with the pressures of fame and personal demons. The narrative starts during an intense MMA match in Sao Paulo, where we see Kerr, played by Dwayne Johnson, reveling in his glory as he earns the nickname 'The Smashing Machine' after a significant victory. However, the film soon transitions from the exhilarating highs of his career to the grimmer realities of life after the fighting rings. Kerr is portrayed grappling with addiction to painkillers and steroids, which serves as a stark contrast to the vibrant fighter we initially meet. The storyline splits into two distinct halves—one focusing on his professional rise and fall, while the other delves into his strained relationship with his live-in girlfriend, Dawn, played by Emily Blunt. This bifurcated storytelling sometimes feels disjointed, as if the movie is veering off into two different directions lacking a cohesive backbone.

The film doesn't just skim the surface of Kerr's life but digs passionately into the mental toll that success and failure can take on an athlete. The initial half of the film sets a swift pace, capturing the essence of a fighter's glory, while the latter half drags the viewer into a slower tempo filled with tension, insecurity, and ultimately, a search for redemption. Unfortunately, while the film attempts to depict a deep character exploration, it frequently fails to highlight these emotional moments profoundly enough, leaving audiences wanting more from the climax that feels somewhat muted. The fight scenes, although impressive and visceral, do not come together to provide a satisfying arc comparable to classics like Rocky or Creed. Instead, they serve as poignant reminders of a champion's battle—not just against opponents but against himself.

Acting

Dwayne Johnson's performance in The Smashing Machine is a revelation. Known for his charismatic and larger-than-life characters in typical action flicks, Johnson steps into a more layered and vulnerable role as Mark Kerr, showcasing the intense inner turmoil of an athlete struggling with addiction and self-worth. It’s been said that this could very well be one of the best performances of his career. His portrayal goes beyond the physicality we associate with him; it is a raw and emotional display that invites the audience inside the psyche of a man who seems unstoppable in the ring but is deeply troubled outside it. Johnson navigates Kerr's complexities with great depth, showcasing vulnerability that many may not have anticipated from the action star.

Complementing him is Emily Blunt, who plays Dawn. Her character adds another layer of tension to the story, portraying the emotional distance that often arises in relationships strained by addiction and insecurity. Blunt’s performance is powerful, even if it feels somewhat underutilized; she brings an unhinged energy that echoes the struggles of Kerr’s inner circle, reinforcing the idea that the consequences of his choices extend far beyond the canvas of the ring. The scenes between the two actors are brimming with potential, yet they often tread into the territory of cliché dialogue which detracts from the experience. Lines that sound more suited for a self-help guide than reality undercut the emotional weight of their exchanges, making viewers wonder how much more impactful these scenes could have been with sharper writing.

Cinematography

The cinematography in The Smashing Machine employs a documentary-style aesthetic that initially captures the raw, gritty life of an MMA fighter with both intimacy and realism. The film utilizes shaky camera movements and a grainy texture, immersing the viewer into a world that feels unrefined and real—an appropriate choice for such an emotionally charged story. For the first half, this stylistic choice adds an engaging quality, allowing for a presentation that feels both authentic and relatable. The film's visuals align with its themes of struggle and survival, evoking a sense of the chaotic and unpredictable life that comes with being a public figure battling inner demons.

However, as the narrative unfolds, this initial charm begins to fade. The shaky camera work and minimalistic dialogues start feeling like they are dragging out the storytelling rather than enhancing it. While the intention might have been to draw the audience closer into the turmoil of Kerr’s life, it often meanders into a languid pace that tests the viewer's patience. The fight sequences are shot with artistic intensity, capturing both the brutality and the poetry of the bouts, yet outside those moments, the visual storytelling begins to lack the punch necessary to keep the audience engaged. By the time the credits roll, you can't help but feel that the film could have benefitted from a more polished and engaging visual narrative to match the ambition of its subject.

Direction

Benny Safdie's direction in The Smashing Machine illustrates a commendable attempt to break free from the typical sports biopic mold. Instead of glorifying the rise of a champion, he opts for a more introspective approach, showcasing the darker aftermath of glory and the fragile nature of success. While Safdie, one half of the duo behind the acclaimed film Uncut Gems, successfully captures elements of vulnerability and raw emotion, the execution falls short in delivering a gripping and cohesive story. The pacing, particularly in the second half, feels lethargic, as we witness a narrative that stalls instead of accelerates towards a heart-pounding climax.

Safdie’s choice to intersperse moments of silence, character introspection, and minimal dialogue is appealing in theory and leads to some mesmerizingly haunting moments throughout the film. However, this artistic choice doesn’t entirely translate to an engaging narrative. Some viewers may find themselves finding it hard to connect with Kerr's journey due to the slow pacing and arguably meandering plot. Compared to other sports films that masterfully balance emotional highs with exhilarating action and uplifting moments, The Smashing Machine feels like it is missing the spark. Despite Safdie’s stylistic ambitions and his inclination to tell a story that leans into vulnerability rather than glory, the film struggles to strike the right emotional chords to leave a lasting impact.

Conclusion

In essence, The Smashing Machine attempts to redefine the sports biopic genre by prioritizing a deep dive into the human condition over flashy victories and underdog triumphs. Dwayne Johnson’s portrayal of Mark Kerr stands out as a testament to his acting prowess, showcasing a range that is both compelling and relatable. Despite Johnson's strong performance, the film falters in its execution, struggling to meld the various elements of storytelling cohesively, which leads to a disconnect with the audience. The split narrative, while ambitious, lacks the finesse that could have turned a simple redemption arc into a profound character study.

As the film comes to an end, viewers may find themselves reflecting not just on Kerr's journey, but also on the emotional gap created by the filmmaking choices. While there are commendable tries at depicting vulnerability and raw honesty, the film ultimately feels incomplete. It raises important questions about the aftermath of success and the loneliness that can accompany fame, yet it fails to engage the emotions it seeks to stir. The Smashing Machine is a mixed bag; it has its moments of brilliance buoyed by Johnson's remarkable performance, but it is not without its pitfalls, and its overall impact may leave audiences feeling somewhat unsatisfied.