Here’s a bold statement: despite stellar reviews and a powerhouse performance by Dwayne Johnson, The Smashing Machine is struggling to pack a punch at the box office. But here’s where it gets controversial—could this film be a masterpiece misunderstood by mainstream audiences? Let’s dive in.
The Smashing Machine has raked in just $14 million worldwide after nearly two weeks in theaters, a surprising figure given its critical acclaim. Yet, the film has found a high-profile admirer in none other than Christopher Nolan, who didn’t hold back in his praise for Johnson’s performance. On The Director’s Cut podcast, Nolan called it “incredible,” adding, “I don’t think you’ll see a better performance this year or most other years.” And this is the part most people miss—Nolan also predicted the film’s legacy, calling it “a remarkable and radical piece of work that will be understood more and more over time.”
Controversial Take Alert: Could The Smashing Machine be this generation’s Fight Club—a film ahead of its time, destined to be reevaluated as a classic? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Director Benny Safdie, who worked with Nolan on Oppenheimer, shared a behind-the-scenes tidbit that’s sure to spark conversation. Nolan joked about Safdie’s multitasking, saying, “I heard a rumor that when you were supposed to be learning your lines on my set, you were actually canvassing people to be in your movie.” Safdie’s dedication clearly paid off, but it raises the question: How far is too far when it comes to pursuing your passion project?
The film itself is a raw, unflinching portrayal of Mark Kerr’s rise in the early days of MMA, culminating in his UFC championship. However, it’s his battle with painkiller addiction and his tumultuous relationship with girlfriend Dawn Staples (played by Emily Blunt) that truly tests his limits. Johnson’s transformation in the role is undeniable, and he took to social media to address the box office results with humility and gratitude. “You can’t control box office results,” he wrote, “but what I realized you can control is your performance, and your commitment to completely disappear and go elsewhere.”
Thought-Provoking Question: Does a film’s box office performance define its success, or is its impact on the audience and the artist more important? Share your take below.
Our own Chris Bumbray praised the film, predicting it will eventually find its audience. “Johnson has reinvented himself,” Bumbray noted, “and The Smashing Machine was well worth the effort.” Whether you’ve seen it or not, we want to hear from you—did the film live up to the hype, or is it a missed opportunity? Check out Bumbray’s full review and join the conversation!
About the Author:
News Editor with a passion for cinema, from Alien to Zodiac. When not writing, you’ll find them drawing, cooking, or debating whether The Godfather or The Godfather Part II is superior. (Spoiler: It’s a tie.)
