The Smashing Machinelooks to be a very different role for Dwayne Johnson, one that could increase the actor’s chances of earning an Oscar nomination. When looking at thebest of Dwayne Johnson’s movies, it is safe to say that the wrestler-turned-actor has never really pushed himself regarding the roles he has taken on. In fact, Johnson has long been criticized for taking variations of the same role, even leading people to claim he never truly acts as any one character, instead playing himself on-screen. However, with thetrue story ofThe Smashing Machine, it seems this is changing.
Being produced as anoften-highly-ranked A24 movie,The Smashing Machineis allowing Johnson to flex his muscles dramatically as well as physically. As teased byThe Smashing Machine’s trailer, the film focuses on the life of Mark Kerr, one of the most famous MMA fighters of the 1990s and 2000s. If the trailer for the film has proven anything, it is that this role is unlike anything else Dwayne Johnson has ever taken on, which could potentially lead to an Oscar nomination for the actor.
The Smashing Machine’s Trailer Teases Why Dwayne Johnson Could Get An Oscar Nomination
Everything Points To This Film Being Different From Johnson’s Others
Firstly,The Smashing Machinebeing an A24 film alone gives Johnson a better chance to earn an Oscar nomination than any other movie of his filmography. The film is the first truly indie feature Johnson has appeared in, with a promising filmmaker like Benny Safdie at the helm. This means the overall feel of the film will be different, with Johnson fully dedicating himself to a character unlike any other he has played. Rather than play the same stoic, charismatic, cocky hero type he is known for, Johnson’s dip into independent cinema gives him more to do, potentially leading to an Academy Award nod.
Benny Safdie also directed A24’sUncut Gemsstarring another actor who has been criticized for playing similar roles, Adam Sandler, with many feeling Sandler’s performance was worthy of an Oscar nomination.
As alluded to,the subject matter ofThe Smashing Machinewill give Johnson a lot more depth to work with than he usually gets the chance to with his lesser-written characters.Kerr’s career and personal life were incredibly tumultuous, be it his strained relationship with Dawn Staples, his substance abuse, or his days as a fighter. The trailer proves this, showcasing many different sides to Kerr and, thus, many different sides to Johnson as an actor. For these reasons, it seemsThe Smashing Machineis Johnson’s best chance yet to be recognized by the Academy.
The Smashing Machine Can Still Help Give Dwayne Johnson Oscars Credibility Even If He’s Snubbed
Johnson’s Credibility Will Be Improved Regardless
Even if Johnson does not get nominated for an Oscar for his role inThe Smashing Machine, the performance will only increase his credibility among Academy voters. Even by simply agreeing to the role, Johnson has proven a willingness to flex his dramatic talent where necessary. This will automatically prove to voters that he has the ability to perform in these kinds of movies.
Regardless of whether Johnson is nominated forThe Smashing Machine, this role will keep him in the minds of Academy voters and prove his worth as a dramatic performer. As a result, anotherupcoming movie for Dwayne Johnsoncould receive Oscar buzz. This film is untitled as of yet, but will see Johnson lead the cast with director Martin Scorsese at the helm, who is undeniably one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. WithThe Smashing Machineraising Johnson’s stock, it could propel him to an Oscar shout for Scorsese’s movie, if the former does not provide it first.
