Emily Blunt and Benny Safdie Collaborate on “The Smashing Machine“: A Deep Dive into Addiction and Love

In the world of cinema, the intersection of personal struggles and artistic expression often leads to powerful storytelling. This is precisely what Emily Blunt and Benny Safdie aim to achieve in their upcoming film, “The Smashing Machine.” While the two actors had limited screen time together in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” their collaboration on this new project has sparked significant interest, particularly due to its exploration of addiction and the complexities of love.

A Unique Collaboration

“The Smashing Machine” marks Safdie’s solo directorial debut, featuring Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr, a former MMA fighter grappling with opioid addiction. Blunt plays Dawn Staples, Kerr’s long-time partner, who navigates the tumultuous waters of supporting someone battling addiction. The film has already garnered acclaim at the Venice Film Festival, where it was praised for its “nimbly executed” narrative and “sensational” performances, leading to Safdie winning the Best Director award.

The film’s genesis can be traced back to a conversation between Blunt and Safdie in a makeup trailer during the filming of “Oppenheimer.” Safdie, who had been nurturing the idea for years, approached Blunt with a quirky request about a sweater he had sent to Johnson. This seemingly trivial exchange opened the door to a deeper discussion about the film’s themes and the potential for Johnson’s untapped talent.

The Untold Story of Dawn Staples

Blunt’s interest in the character of Dawn Staples was piqued after watching John Hyams’ 2002 documentary about Kerr, also titled “The Smashing Machine.” The documentary, while illuminating Kerr’s struggles, presented Dawn in a less favorable light, often portraying her as a catalyst for his downfall. Blunt felt compelled to explore Dawn’s perspective, recognizing that the narrative surrounding addiction often overlooks the experiences of those who support the addict.

“I thought there must be a whole different side to the story of someone who’s living with an addict,” Blunt remarked. “Not only an addict, but someone whose life is on the line constantly.” This realization led her to delve deeper into Dawn’s character, aiming to portray her as a multifaceted individual rather than a mere supporting role.

The Complexity of Addiction

The film does not shy away from the harsh realities of addiction. Blunt noted that the relationship between Kerr and Staples is fraught with tension, shaped by the dual forces of love and dependency. “Dawn is as wild as she is fragile, as broken as she is ferocious,” Blunt explained. “She needed him desperately, and he knew that.”

This complexity is further illustrated in a pivotal scene that Safdie crafted-a real-time, eight-and-a-half-minute sequence set to Bruce Springsteen’s “Jungleland.” The scene encapsulates the mundane and the profound, showcasing the couple’s struggles against the backdrop of addiction and the pressures of professional fighting. Blunt described the filming of this scene as emotionally taxing, stating, “It’s such a blur, that day. Knowing that we’re shooting that scene soon … there’s a bracing for impact that is occurring, like a storm brewing.”

A Personal Connection

Blunt’s connection to the material is not merely professional; it is deeply personal. She spoke with Staples multiple times leading up to production, gaining insights into her life and experiences. “People don’t behave as you’d like them to,” Blunt observed, emphasizing the importance of portraying characters who are not always likable. “It was important to show those moments of deep connection and passion that they had for each other.”

The film aims to present a love story that is both raw and authentic, capturing the euphoric highs and devastating lows of a relationship intertwined with addiction. Blunt noted that Staples described her relationship with Kerr as a love story, albeit one that might not be palatable to everyone. “It was a love story. It might not have been a story that everyone would’ve wanted to read, but it was ours,” Staples told Blunt.

The Broader Impact

As the film prepares for its release, the team is hopeful that it will resonate with audiences, particularly those who have experienced similar struggles. Blunt expressed her desire for the film to be a source of validation for fighters and their families, stating, “For all the fighters to feel seen by the movie, because it’s not representative of their lives just to show the guy with his fist in the air.”

The film’s exploration of addiction and its impact on relationships is timely, especially as society grapples with the opioid crisis. By focusing on the emotional toll of addiction, “The Smashing Machine” aims to foster understanding and empathy for those affected by substance abuse.

Conclusion

“The Smashing Machine” is more than just a sports biopic; it is a poignant exploration of love, addiction, and the human experience. With Blunt and Safdie at the helm, the film promises to deliver a narrative that is both compelling and thought-provoking. As it prepares for its theatrical release on October 3, audiences can anticipate a story that not only entertains but also challenges perceptions about addiction and the complexities of human relationships. In a world where stories of struggle often go untold, “The Smashing Machine” seeks to shine a light on the shadows, offering a voice to those who have been silenced.