In Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson plays UFC champion Mark Kerr. But this isn’t a film that’s about his grappling for gold in the early years of MMA. It’s a film that explores a different kind of battle he was waging, against depression, an addiction to painkillers, and a toxic relationship with his partner at the time. It’s a crowd-pleasing journey but not an easy one, as the film doesn’t shy away from Kerr’s darkest moments. Rather, it invites us in to feel Kerr’s highs and lows, a roller coaster ride as dizzying as any fight in the octagon.
I had the chance to speak with Mark Kerr about The Smashing Machine. We talked about the moment he first learned his story was being made into a major motion picture, and that Dwayne Johnson would be starring. Mark talked about working with Safdie and Johnson, and wanting to tell the story honestly. He also discussed the impact of reliving some of the toughest moments in his life, and whether it sparked any reflection.
Kerr also answered whether he got to teach Johnson a thing or two on the mat, and if anybody got hurt!
The Smashing Machine is open in theaters now.
