•From left: Hiram Garcia, David Koplan, Benny Safdie, Emily Blunt, Dwayne Johnson and Mark Kerr on Monday in Venice/Earl Gibson III
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is being hailed for a career-defining performance after his new film, The Smashing Machine, received a standing ovation lasting an astounding 15 and a half minutes at its Venice Film Festival premiere, deadline.com reports. Johnson stars as legendary MMA fighter Mark Kerr in the new A24 drama directed by Benny Safdie. The film explores Kerr’s life at the height of his career, delving into his struggles with addiction and personal relationships.
Joining Johnson on the red carpet were co-star Emily Blunt, who plays Kerr’s girlfriend, and the real-life Mark Kerr, who was visibly emotional as the cast was met with thunderous applause and cheers. According to critics, Johnson’s transformative portrayal, aided by remarkable prosthetics, is a “truly remarkable” performance that completely captures the essence of the UFC icon.
The film marks a significant departure for Johnson, who told the crowd he was seeking a more challenging role beyond the typical Hollywood blockbusters.
The Smashing Machine is set to hit theatres on October 3.
