There is something so satisfying about seeing films at your favourite local cinema. Having the parking situation wired, knowing the best room in the house and the best seat for the most involving sound and of course your favourite snack (in this case the hand dipped choc tops). So when the Dendy Coorparoo closed due to damage from the storm called Alfred, its reopening has been eagerly awaited.
Now that the time has come to reopen, the first film off the rank was The Smashing Machine. This work, based on the real life exploits of first-generation UFC fighter Mark Kerr, stars Dwayne Johnson as Kerr and Emily Blunt as Kerr’s first wife, Dawn Staples. Both actors are stepping out of their comfort zone, with Johnson’s role being the biggest departure. The addition of a facial prosthesis helps with the transformation for Johnson.
Kerr was one of the first fighters in the full-contact sport arena to achieve star status, and his life was and is a rocky one. He struggled with substance abuse during the early years and is currently suffering from peripheral neuropathy. Johnson digs into the role and is quite effective at showing the man’s flaws without being completely consumed by them. His relationship with Blunt’s character on screen is a fractious one, and most of their scenes together crackle with tension.
This is by far Johnson’s biggest swing for recognition as an actual actor and not just a movie star, and he does a good job. His role is filled with quirky character traits that pull you into different mindsets about his performance, but the main take away is a demonstration of the successful expansion of his craft. Blunt is as always effective in every moment on screen. The story has an underlying theme of the brutality of this particular sport and the dedication it takes for its participants to excel in The Octagon. Even if you deplore pugilism, the performances are worthy of your exploration.
Rob Hudson
www.dendy.com.au/
