The Great One Is Aiming To Be An Artful One

It's time to have a mini rant about something that has bugged me over the past few days.

Dwayne Johnson's recent movie - The Smashing Machine, a biopic about MMA fighter Mark Kerr - took an apparent $5.9 Million (£4.3m) in its opening.

The numbers have been regarded as a 'major financial loss for A24' (that's according to Copilot).

Many sites have jumped on the numbers. Johnson has even commented by pointing out that the aim for creative achievement was what made him choose the project. 

Obviously, this is the movie industry, so money is a factor. However, I strongly believe that what Johnson wrote is not spin.

Or at attempt to save face.

I believe it's safe to conclude Johnson is picking vehicles that will lead him to an eventual Oscar. 

The Smashing Machine was never going to be a blockbuster. It was always about the art. So, those stories shining light on the financials of The Smashing Machine are overlooking that key narrative. In my opinion, of course.

I write all this having only seen the trailer for The Smashing Machine. But, I also share my opinion knowing that the production company - A24 - has had success at the Academy Awards. From the top of my head there's Moonlight (2016), Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022) and The Whale (2022) that have won certain Oscars in recent years. 

I look forward to seeing The Smashing Machine and shall root for Dwayne Johnson in his quest. Don't forget, The Smashing Machine is one project. There's a Martin Scorcese movie in early stages of production Johnson is heavily attached to which could turn out to be another shot at the big one.