Did Dwayne Johnson Use Prosthetics or Makeup in The Smashing Machine?
In the upcoming film, “The Smashing Machine,” directed by Benny Safdie, the life of UFC legend Mark Kerr unfolds. The narrative explores Kerr’s journey in mixed martial arts and the personal challenges he faces, particularly his battle with opioid addiction. As he strives for success, he risks everything, including his relationship with partner Dawn Staples. This intense journey forms the crux of a cautionary tale about ambition and its consequences.
Dwayne Johnson’s Role in The Smashing Machine
Dwayne Johnson plays Mark Kerr in “The Smashing Machine.” His performance has garnered significant attention, but it is the transformative makeup and prosthetics that truly help him embody the character. The process involved an extensive team led by veteran makeup artist Kazu Hiro, known for his work on acclaimed films such as “Bombshell” and “Darkest Hour.”
Prosthetics and Makeup Techniques
The transformation of Dwayne Johnson took between two to four hours daily, during which approximately 22 prosthetic pieces were applied to his face and body. This meticulous effort ensured that Johnson closely resembled the real-life fighter, despite their differing physical attributes.
- Cauliflower Ear: One of Kerr’s most distinctive features was his cauliflower ear. Hiro crafted prosthetic replicas that mimicked the swelling on Kerr’s ears precisely.
- Browline Adaptation: The recreation of Kerr’s browline posed significant challenges due to Johnson’s noticeable eye size. A specialized prosthetic piece was designed to allow eyelid movement without restricting Johnson’s acting abilities.
- Scene-specific Prosthetics: Unique prosthetics were created for various scenes, such as a broken tooth that utilized special effects for realism.
Maintaining Authenticity
Continuity was vital throughout the film, particularly during fight scenes. Prosthetic additions were altered as needed to reflect injuries like swollen cheeks and bruises accurately. Additionally, Johnson’s tattoos required careful cover-up to maintain the character’s look.
The physical nature of the role meant that sweat often disrupted the adherence of the prosthetics. Hiro noted that constant maintenance was necessary, as the makeup sometimes peeled away, particularly during intense action sequences.
Details of Hair and Wig Design
The authenticity of Johnson’s transformation also relied on hair design. The actor wore a specialized wig to better match Kerr’s appearance. The creative team coordinated closely with the barber during scenes involving haircuts, ensuring the wig was treated appropriately to avoid breaking the immersion of the film.
Conclusion
Dwayne Johnson’s portrayal of Mark Kerr in “The Smashing Machine” showcases the extraordinary efforts behind his physical transformation. With a combination of expert prosthetics and detailed makeup work, the film aims to capture not only the athlete’s exterior but also the complexities of his journey.
