(Image source: A24 Films)
While Dwayne Johnson's biographical drama, "The Smashing Machine," faced a soft opening at the North American box office, failing to crack $10 million in its debut weekend, critical and audience reception has been largely positive. Among those impressed is Academy Award-winning director Christopher Nolan, who singled out Johnson's performance for high praise.
Nolan, who was recently elected president of the Directors Guild of America, lauded Johnson's surprisingly powerful turn during a recent conversation with "The Smashing Machine" director Benny Safdie on the DGA's official podcast, "The Director's Cut." Nolan described Johnson's portrayal as "heartbreaking" and "an absolutely stunning piece of work," adding that he believed it was "one of the best performances you'll see this year or in recent years."
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Given that both Safdie and "The Smashing Machine" co-star Emily Blunt were also cast members in Nolan's previous blockbuster, "Oppenheimer," the director seized the opportunity to playfully jab at Safdie during their chat. Nolan joked, "I heard a rumor that you were supposed to be memorizing your lines on my set, but instead, you were busy lobbying other actors to join your film. I wasn't aware of this during production, but it certainly seems to have paid off for you."
Nolan then reiterated his admiration for the film's achievement, stating, "Congratulations on this movie. It's truly an outstanding and groundbreaking piece of work that will only grow in audience appreciation over time. I'm also very happy to have met you."