Benny Safdie, Dwayne Johnson, and Emily Blunt Discuss Triumphs and Defeats in The Smashing Machine

      Paul Thomas Anderson discovered how to maximize Benny Safdie's potential while filming Anderson's 2021 movie "Licorice Pizza."

      Safdie, recognized for crafting gritty, erratic, and unpredictable narratives about New York with his brother Josh, took on a different role for Anderson: Joel Wachs, a principled, polished, closeted city councilman from Los Angeles.

      At one moment, Anderson sought to elevate Safdie's performance further.

      “There was a point during the filming of 'Licorice Pizza' where Paul said, ‘I don’t think we can improve on that,’ and it was a playful way to encourage me to push myself more,” recalls Safdie. “It was a laid-back atmosphere, but he was purposeful.”

      Benny Safdie is also skilled in his craft. His latest film, "The Smashing Machine," which recently premiered at the Venice Film Festival to positive reviews, marks his debut as a solo writer, director, and editor. The project began when Dwayne Johnson approached the Safdie brothers about turning John Hyams’ 2002 documentary, also titled "The Smashing Machine," into a feature film.

      This film offers Johnson the opportunity to showcase his acting range beyond being Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the former wrestler turned movie star, primarily recognized for revamping franchises rather than for nuanced character portrayal. He previously collaborated with "The Smashing Machine" co-star, Emily Blunt, on the 2021 film "The Jungle Cruise," based on a Disney theme park attraction.

      Johnson connected with the Safdies following their 2019 film "Uncut Gems," which highlighted Adam Sandler’s dramatic talents, aiming for "The Smashing Machine" to reveal Johnson’s acting capabilities as well. It narrates the intense narrative of sacrifice and loss involved in competition.

      The film details the true story of Mark Kerr, a mixed martial artist and UFC Hall of Famer known for overwhelming his adversaries. However, it also reveals how Kerr’s career left him in agonizing pain and struggling with a hidden opioid addiction.

      The film intertwines Johnson’s acting skills with his actual experiences as a professional fighter. The similarities between the UFC and WWE, where Johnson first gained fame, loom over "The Smashing Machine": he made his WWE debut in 1996, shortly before Kerr’s UFC debut in 1997.

      Both the WWE and UFC expect a great deal from their athletes—sometimes, too much.

      “It’s a love letter to those who endure pain,” Johnson states. “And it’s a tribute to my and Mark’s friends who have passed away young.”

      Blunt believes Johnson may carry more burdens than he reveals due to his fame. “One day, I told Dwayne, ‘I think it’s tough being The Rock, isn’t it?’” she shares.

      Johnson denied this, but she suspects he is being modest: “I think it is. Who wants to be an all-star all the time? It's challenging.”

      Her concern is echoed onscreen: she portrays Dawn Staples, Kerr’s real-life ex-wife, who often received blame during difficult times in their marriage but not recognition during the good ones. Blunt embraced Safdie’s storytelling approach, which incorporated lengthy, uncut fight scenes, both in and out of the ring.

      “Benny constantly blurred the lines between reality and fiction,” says Blunt. “His shooting style makes it feel like an observing camera. You hardly saw the camera at all. It genuinely felt like high noon when DJ and I fought.”

      Blunt is celebrated for her range—successfully portraying roles from comedic performances in "The Devil Wears Prada" to action in "A Quiet Place" and "Edge of Tomorrow," to family-friendly appeal in "Mary Poppins Returns" and serious drama in Christopher Nolan’s "Oppenheimer," where Safdie also acted.

      However, both Safdie and Johnson have sometimes been confined to certain roles: Johnson is primarily known as a likable, muscular tough guy who frequently portrays a version of himself—he's even been the subject of presidential speculation. Meanwhile, Safdie has gained recognition as an audacious, independent filmmaker seemingly obsessed with the darker aspects of his hometown.

      "The Smashing Machine" represents an opportunity for both to escape those confines.

      The son of a professional wrestler, Johnson began in football before joining the WWF, quickly becoming a superstar in the ring thanks to his athleticism and charm. He made his film debut in "The Mummy Returns" in 2001 and played the lead in its 2002 spinoff, "The Scorpion King," before featuring in a stream of films rooted in rides, games, and prior franchises. His filmography includes "Fast and Furious" titles, "Red Notice," DC superhero films, and "Moana." Johnson strategically developed projects through 7 Bucks Productions, the company he co-founded with his ex-wife Dany Garcia, named after a time in the ‘90s