A24’s ‘The Smashing Machine’ Receives 15-Minute Standing Ovation at Venice Film Festival

Summary

• Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s film, The Smashing Machine, received a 15-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival
• Johnson, director Benny Safdie and fighter Mark Kerr were all moved to tears
• The actor stated he is now more interested in creating “films that matter”

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was moved to tears as his upcoming film, The Smashing Machine, received a 15-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival.

Johnson was joined by co-star Emily Blunt, director Benny Safdie (in his solo directorial debut) and fighter Mark Kerr — on whom the A24 biopic was based on. Both Safdie and Kerr were also emotional, shedding a few tears alongside the actor.

In a previous interview with Variety, the former WWE star — whose previous roles include blockbuster hits such as The Mummy, Fast and Furious and Jumanji — explained that he was now more interested in creating “films that matter.” He shared, “I’m at a point in my career where I want to push myself in ways that I’ve not pushed myself in the past.” Johnson continued, “I want to make films that matter, that explore a humanity and explore struggle [and] pain.”

He also explained that Safdie “continues to push the envelope when it comes to stories that are raw and real; characters that are authentic and at times uncomfortable and arresting.”

The Smashing Machine is set to release in US theaters on October 3.

 

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