Christopher Nolan Applauds Dwayne Johnson’s Performance in ‘Smashing Machine’
Christopher Nolan recently praised Dwayne Johnson for his role in “The Smashing Machine,” enhancing Johnson’s Oscar campaign. During an episode of “The Director’s Cut” podcast, Nolan discussed the film with its director, Benny Safdie, lauding Johnson’s performance as Mark Kerr, a former MMA fighter.
Nolan’s High Praise for Johnson
Nolan described Johnson’s portrayal as “heartbreaking” and asserted, “I think it’s an incredible performance. I don’t think you’ll see a better performance this year or most other years.” This acclaim adds momentum to Johnson’s Oscar bid.
Background and Film Details
“The Smashing Machine” stars Johnson as Kerr, who faces numerous challenges, both professionally and personally. Emily Blunt plays his wife, Dawn Staples, in a story that explores their turbulent relationship. The film showcases Kerr’s struggles, including substance abuse, amid his career peaks and valleys.
Acclaim and Early Struggles
The film has garnered critical recognition, with Safdie winning the Best Director award at the Venice Film Festival. Despite this honor, it experienced a slow box office debut, earning only $5.9 million upon release. This figure is notably lower than Johnson’s previous film “Faster,” which debuted at $8.5 million in 2010.
- Opening weekend: $5.9 million
- Budget: $50 million
- Domestic earnings to date: $10 million
Johnson’s Commitment to the Role
In response to the film’s performance, Johnson expressed his dedication to his craft. He stated, “You can’t control box office results…what I realized you can control is your performance.” He expressed gratitude to Safdie for believing in him and emphasized the transformative impact of this role on his life.
For those interested in more insights, the full conversation between Nolan and Safdie on “The Director’s Cut” podcast is worth a listen. This collaboration marks a significant moment in Johnson’s career and contributes to the ongoing buzz surrounding “The Smashing Machine.”
