Dwayne Johnson's 'The Smashing Machine' has had a rocky start at the box office, but the actor's response to this career low is nothing short of inspiring.
A Box Office Bomb, But a Life-Changing Experience
'The Smashing Machine', an A24 drama, opened to a disappointing $5.9 million domestically, marking the worst box office debut for Johnson. However, Johnson's attitude towards this setback is remarkable. In an Instagram post, he emphasized the uncontrollable nature of box office results and praised the film's director, Benny Safdie, for an opportunity that changed his life.
"You can't control box office results, but you can control your performance and commitment to disappear into a role. I will always embrace such opportunities," Johnson wrote. He expressed deep gratitude to Safdie, adding, "This film has truly changed my life."
But Here's Where It Gets Controversial...
Despite the film's poor box office performance, 'The Smashing Machine' received critical acclaim at its Venice premiere. Safdie won the best director award, and even negative reviews praised Johnson's leading performance. Many are tipping Johnson as a strong contender for the Best Actor Oscar.
In the film, Johnson portrays Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC heavyweight champion, in a true-story drama. Kerr's volatile relationship with his wife, Dawn, is explored against the backdrop of his MMA career highs and lows, including his battles with substance abuse. Kerr, a real-life mixed martial artist, dominated the sport from 1997 to 2009, winning four ADCC World Championships.
A24's Big-Budget Gamble
A24, the film's production company, invested heavily in 'The Smashing Machine', spending $50 million on production and millions more on promotion, including festival stops at Venice and Toronto. The film's underperformance at the box office is a significant blow to the studio.
'The Smashing Machine' is now playing in theaters nationwide, and despite its controversial box office reception, it offers a powerful performance from Johnson and a compelling story.
What do you think? Is box office success the ultimate measure of a film's worth? Or can a film be considered a success based on its artistic merit and impact on its stars? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
