Dwayne Johnson is drawing early acclaim for his latest movie, The Smashing Machine, which will hit theaters on October 3. Industry insiders suggest Johnson’s performance as Mark Kerr could land him a coveted Dwayne Johnson Oscar nomination, highlighting a significant moment in the actor’s evolving career.
Positive Early Reviews Highlight Johnson’s Performance
Following its debut at the Venice International Film Festival, critical reviews of The Smashing Machine became available on September 1. The film currently holds a 78 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 81 critic assessments, reflecting generally favorable impressions. Benny Safdie directed the project, with a supporting cast including Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Lyndsey Gavin. Johnson also served as one of the producers, under the A24 banner.
Critics have especially focused on Johnson’s acting. Maddy Mussen from the London Evening Standard proclaimed,
The Smashing Machine is the film that will rewrite the history of Dwayne Johnson’s acting career. The Smashing Machine might even earn Dwayne an Oscar nomination. The Smashing Machine is good, but Dwayne is great.
This strong endorsement highlights how Johnson’s role as Mark Kerr is viewed as a breakthrough performance.
Another review pointed out,
From Young Rock and now The Smashing Machine, Johnson’s desire to dig deep is met with a reluctance to be vulnerable. Paired with signature head-inducing Safdie storytelling, we never quite feel like we are being told the whole story, just the glory.
This perspective acknowledges the film’s stylistic choices but notes a certain restraint in revealing Kerr’s full complexity.
A separate critic commented,
An emotional, Oscar-bound journey with incredible turns from Johnson and Blunt. Yet by softening the rage behind Kerr, it risks feeling too polished, raising questions about how much truth we’re really shown.
The observation indicates that while emotional moments resonate, some aspects appear refined, potentially detracting from the rawness expected in a biopic.
Grace Randolph from Beyond the Trailer commended Johnson’s bravery in his role but had reservations about other elements, noting,
While Safdie doesn’t quite deliver behind the camera, this movie spotlights a brave & vulnerable performance by Johnson. If you look for it, there’s a great message about the pressures men face, the ones they put on themselves, & how they deal with them.
This comment highlights the thematic depth related to vulnerability and masculine identity explored in the film.
Johnson Expresses Pride and Personal Growth Through the Project
Known for blockbuster hits, Johnson has taken a different approach with The Smashing Machine, prioritizing artistic challenge over commercial appeal. In an interview with The Guardian, he revealed his motivations, stating,
I’ve been in this space for years where I wanted to do more.
This signals his intent to transcend familiar roles.
He further explained the emotional risk involved in the project:
I wanted to not only challenge myself but to listen to my gut. To really rip myself open. And, quite honestly, I was scared. I’m not a big therapy guy. I’ve had some great conversations with therapists, but it’s not the thing I run to. I bottle [stuff] up inside me, like a lot of guys, which I recognise is not the healthiest thing to do.
Johnson’s honest admission adds depth to his preparation for the role.
Reflecting on how acting became an outlet, he said,
Then I said: Wait, I can still do the thing I love, which is acting. But what if there’s something deeper and more meaningful in it for me?
This reveals his desire to blend personal vulnerability with his craft, aiming for a transformative career moment.
The Significance of Johnson’s Role and Anticipated Industry Impact
Johnson’s immersion into Mark Kerr’s character could mark a turning point in his career, shifting public and critical perceptions of his range as an actor. With early praise suggesting a potential Dwayne Johnson Oscar nomination, industry watchers will be keen to see how awards season unfolds. The film’s thematic focus on masculinity and emotional struggle also introduces a nuanced conversation often overlooked in mainstream cinema. As reviews continue to emerge, The Smashing Machine may influence both Johnson’s artistic trajectory and broader discussions about vulnerability in men.
