"TORONTO - Few actors are as well-recognized and easily typecast as the affable Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, but in "The Smashing Machine" from director Benny Safdie, Johnson disappears into his most ambitious role yet. To step into the role of legendary mixed martial arts fighter Mark Kerr, Johnson spent four hours each day in the prosthetics chair. "He transformed himself," Kerr told SFGATE on the red carpet at the North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival."
"That's not to mention the bulking up to mimic Kerr's massive physique. The result is a game-changing role for Johnson, reminiscent of Adam Sandler's dramatic turn in Safdie's "Uncut Gems." "It was really the opportunity of a lifetime," Johnson said at a Q&A following the film. "I had waited for this opportunity for such a long time to do something where I just challenged myself, and I pushed for more.""
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson underwent extensive transformation, spending four hours daily in prosthetics and bulking up to portray legendary mixed martial arts fighter Mark Kerr. The film is set in the early days of MMA between 1997 and 2000 and centers on Kerr's bouts in Japan's Pride Fighting Championship. Kerr's dominant grappling earned international notoriety, prompting officials to ban moves like headbutts and knees to the top of the head. He went undefeated early in his career until a no-contest decision in Japan led to a demoralizing injury and subsequent painkiller abuse. Emily Blunt portrays his girlfriend, who tries to remain supportive while struggling with her own personal demons.
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