The Rock’s Oscar Pursuit: Beyond Blockbusters and Into Dramatic Territory
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is a name synonymous with box office success. Throughout his career, films featuring the former wrestling superstar have generated over $14 billion in ticket sales worldwide. However, his latest project, “The Smashing Machine”, represents a significant departure from his usual action-packed roles, and it’s not about the money.
Johnson delivers a powerful performance as pioneering UFC fighter Mark Kerr in the film, garnering critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination. Now, the acting branch of the Academy Awards is deliberating whether to bestow upon him a coveted Best Actor nomination. This potential Oscar nod signifies more than just recognition; it represents a pivotal moment in Johnson’s career, a conscious decision to challenge himself artistically.
A Shift in Focus: Beyond the Blockbuster
For years, Johnson has dominated the action genre with franchises like “The Fast & Furious”, “Jumanji”, and Disney’s “Moana”. While these films have been immensely successful, Johnson felt a growing desire for something more. As he shared during a roundtable discussion with The Hollywood Reporter, a quiet voice within urged him to explore new creative avenues.
“I feel like I’ve had a lucky career, and I reached this point in my career maybe seven or eight years ago where I had this little voice in my ribcage… that voice for me was, ‘Well, what’s more?’” Johnson explained. He spoke of an obsession with trying new things, believing in setting intentions, and trusting that the universe will respond. He wanted to pursue a project that resonated with him personally, questioning whether he was living his own dream or one dictated by external forces.
Embracing Vulnerability in ‘The Smashing Machine’
Based on a documentary of the same name, “The Smashing Machine” delves into the life of UFC Hall of Famer Mark Kerr, particularly his struggles with addiction. Directed by Benny Safdie and co-starring Emily Blunt, the film explores the pressures faced by even the most seemingly invincible individuals.
Despite a production budget of around $50 million, the film’s box office performance was modest, earning just over $11 million domestically. However, Johnson appears unfazed by this, prioritizing the artistic fulfillment the role provided. He was deeply moved by Kerr’s story, recognizing the universal struggle with pressure and inner demons.
“I was moved by Mark’s story because he had his addiction problems and he dealt with his demons. The thing that really grabbed my attention… is I felt like none of us can relate to the greatest fighter on the planet. But what we can relate to is this idea of pressure, and how we deal with pressure,” Johnson said. “Sometimes we do well with it and sometimes it kicks us in the ass.”
Johnson embraced the challenge, viewing it as an opportunity to “jump off the cliff” creatively, to explore a deeper level of artistry and vulnerability. He believes that taking risks, even when the outcome is uncertain, is essential for growth and fulfillment. As he eloquently put it, “We’ve all been on that cliff.”
