Dwayne Johnson cries of emotion with the triumph of The Smashing Machine in Venice
According to critics, Dwayne Johnson is emerging as a possible Oscar candidate after his performance in The Smashing Machine
The Venice Film Festival red carpet is usually packed with stars, but this year it witnessed one of the most moving and acclaimed transformations of Dwayne Johnson’s career.
The screening of ‘The Smashing Machine’ triggered a 15-minute standing ovation and uncontrollable tears from the actor, in what is shaping up to be the most emotional premiere of the 82nd edition of the festival.
Johnson, 53, known worldwide as The Rock from his time in WWE, let his emotions get carried away as the Lido audience celebrated with a prolonged ovation, one of the longest of the festival to date. The moment evoked Brendan Fraser's cinematic renaissance with 'The Whale' on the same stage four years ago.
A Dramatic Career Shift
To achieve this, the actor underwent a profound physical transformation with prosthetics, becoming almost unrecognizable.
He wasn't alone in his moment of catharsis. Safdie, as well as Emily Blunt — his co-star who plays Kerr's girlfriend, Dawn Staples — also joined in the tears of joy during the ovation. The chemistry between Johnson and Blunt isn't new; the two shared the screen in Disney's 'Jungle Cruise.' Blunt also reunited with Safdie after their memorable scene together in Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer.'
Before the screening, the atmosphere was already electric. A fan yelled the iconic WWE line at the actor, "Do you smell what The Rock's cooking?", prompting laughter from the honoree.
Johnson, in an excellent mood, spent much of the night on the red carpet, signing autographs and taking selfies with fans,adding his star to the parade of luminaries such as George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Emma Stone.
In previous statements to Variety, Johnson had expressed his desire to evolve as an artist:
The Smashing Machine is not only a turning point for Johnson, but also for Benny Safdie, who makes his solo feature directorial debut after his indie successes with his brother Josh.
The film, scheduled for release in November, is already strongly rumored to be a potent contender for the upcoming awards season, confirming Venice as the official starting gun for the Oscars.