The Rock’s Emotional Return: Dwayne Johnson Moved to Tears by 15-Minute Standing Ovation for ‘The Smashing Machine’ at Venice Film Festival
Hi there, I’m Avery Sinclair, a sharp-tongued observer who’s not easily swayed by hype, but always ready to dish out the lowdown. Let’s get real – Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson isn’t exactly known for his tear-jerking moments, but the guy’s got feelings too, it seems.
Dwayne Johnson, 53, was visibly moved to tears on Monday night at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, where his latest movie, “The Smashing Machine,” received a whopping 15-minute standing ovation. This biographical drama, directed by Bennie Safdie, stars Johnson as Mark Kerr, a former amateur wrestler-turned-MMA fighter. The film’s premiere on the Lido drew a packed audience, including co-star Emily Blunt, who played Kerr’s ex-wife, Dawn Staples.
According to Variety, the ovation was one of the longest of the festival, which kicked off on August 27. Safdie, 39, was also overcome with emotion, hugging both Johnson and Blunt amid the applause. Even Mark Kerr himself, who made a special appearance at the premiere, was caught tearing up as the credits rolled and the audience stood in appreciation.
Before the screening, Johnson seemed to be in high spirits, signing autographs and posing for selfies with enthusiastic fans on the red carpet. One fan, clearly a longtime supporter, shouted out Johnson’s signature WWE catchphrase: “Can you smell what the Rock is cooking?” It’s moments like these that remind us why Johnson remains a beloved figure in popular culture.
However, what’s been making headlines even more than the film’s reception is Johnson’s dramatically slimmed-down physique. The “Jumanji” star’s weight and muscle loss have left many fans stunned, with some even jokingly referring to him as “The Pebble” on social media. “Damn, he’s half of what he was!” one person wrote, while another commented, “Wow, nice transformation.”
During the film’s press conference earlier that day, Johnson opened up about his decision to collaborate with Safdie on “The Smashing Machine.” He spoke about feeling pigeonholed in Hollywood and wanting to push beyond his typical box office roles. “When you’re in Hollywood – as we all know, it has become about box office,” he began. “And you chase the box office, and the box office can be very loud and it can become very resounding and it can push you into a category and into a corner.”
Johnson continued, “I just had this burning desire and voice that was saying, ‘What if there is more and what if I can?’ A lot of times, it’s harder for us – or at least for me – to know what you’re capable of when you’ve been pigeonholed into something.” He expressed gratitude to Safdie and Blunt for helping him realize his “dream” of portraying Kerr on the big screen.
As the Venice Film Festival continues to generate buzz, “The Smashing Machine” is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated films of the season. With its powerful performances and compelling storyline, it’s no wonder the film has sparked Oscar buzz. Whether or not it will translate into awards success remains to be seen, but for now, Johnson’s emotional response to the ovation is a testament to the film’s impact.
And that’s today’s dose of reality. You’re welcome.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and Variety, The New York Post
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
