Dwayne Johnson’s Emotional Reaction to 15-Minute Standing Ovation

Dwayne Johnson sobbed tears of joy after receiving a 15-minute standing ovation for his new film The Smashing Machine at the Venice Film Festival.

As the audience cheered, Johnson — also known as WWE legend The Rock — hugged the film’s director, Benny Safdie. His co-star Emily Blunt smiled proudly beside him.

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A WWE moment at the premiere

Before the screening began, a fan shouted Johnson’s famous WWE line: “Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?!” The crowd erupted with laughter, and so did Johnson.

Johnson’s transformation into Mark Kerr

For the role, the 53-year-old went through a dramatic physical transformation. He lost nearly 60 pounds, dropping closer to 240 lbs from his usual 300 lbs. He also wore facial prosthetics to resemble MMA fighter and UFC pioneer Mark Kerr.

Kerr was a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, a World Vale Tudo Championship tournament winner, and a Pride FC competitor. His life was previously captured in HBO’s 2003 documentary The Smashing Machine.

Benny Safdie’s vision for the film

The new movie is written and directed by Safdie, who co-created Uncut Gems, one of A24’s biggest successes. Johnson praised Safdie’s commitment to raw, real, and uncomfortable storytelling.

Speaking about the project last year, Johnson said:
“I’m at a point in my career where I want to push myself in ways I haven’t before. I want to make films that matter, that explore humanity, struggle, and pain.”

Not leaving blockbusters behind

Although this film marks a bold shift for Johnson, he clarified that he will not abandon blockbuster productions. He explained:
“I love making big, four-quadrant movies. They have tremendous value and importance. But there’s also a time and place for deeper stories.”

Critical acclaim and early praise

In a five-star review, The Independent critic Geoffrey Macnab wrote:
“Safdie forces one of Hollywood’s most popular stars to confront parts of himself rarely seen on screen. Johnson delivers a performance full of pathos, intensity, and depth — one that seems destined for awards recognition.”

Macnab also praised Emily Blunt, who plays Kerr’s loyal yet emotionally unstable girlfriend. He noted that she is both his strongest support and, at times, the cause of his downfall.

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