‘The Smashing Machine’ Film Review
The film challenges expectations but stumbles in its overall storytelling.
Opening and Visual Style
The movie opens with the vivid sounds and colors of a fighting arena, drawing viewers into a world drenched in greens and reds. This unusual but appealing start sets the tone for The Smashing Machine, a dramatized biopic based on the true story of UFC fighter Mark Kerr.
Production and Cast
Written, directed, and edited by Ben Safdie, the film stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Mark Kerr and Emily Blunt as his girlfriend Dawn Staples.
Thematic Focus
Like the 2002 documentary with the same name, the movie centers on Kerr’s struggle with painkiller addiction and his gradual recovery. It explores how these challenging experiences shaped both his career and personal life.
Atmosphere and Cinematography
Despite the film's intense fight scenes, it maintains a warm, comforting atmosphere that contrasts strikingly with the violence. The cinematography is distinctive, featuring grainy camera textures and saturated colors that evoke a ‘90s home video aesthetic, paying homage to the original documentary.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack complements the film’s tone with light instrumental music that enhances the familiar, nostalgic feeling throughout the movie.
“The movie maintains a comforting atmosphere, creating a striking contrast that works well for the tone of the film.”
Author's summary: The film offers a visually unique and emotionally warm look at Mark Kerr's life struggles, but its storytelling pace sometimes falls short of expectations.
Would you like the tone to be more formal or conversational?