The Big Picture Best Picture Power Rankings and The Rock’s Oscar Bid in ‘The Smashing Machine,’ with Benny Safdie!
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Oct 3, 2025 This week, cultural commentator Van Lathan joins writer-director Benny Safdie to discuss 'The Smashing Machine.' Benny shares insights into working with Dwayne Johnson, revealing how The Rock's performance transcends his usual persona and adds emotional depth. They delve into the film's unique blend of realism and documentary style, as well as tackle critiques of Emily Blunt’s underwhelming role. Additionally, Sean and Amanda kick off new Best Picture power rankings following the fall festival season, sparking a lively debate about this year’s contenders.
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Biopic That Refuses The Triumph Arc
- The Smashing Machine subverts a typical athlete biopic by focusing on fragility over triumph.
- It presents a slice-of-life portrait rather than a conventional rise-and-fall narrative.
Expectation Of Violence Subverted
- Van Lathan expected a violent payoff and was surprised when it never came.
- He ended up moved by the film's portrayal of a gentle, vulnerable fighter rather than a monstrous “smashing machine.”
Gravitron Scene As Emotional Exposition
- Van Lathan connected to Mark Kerr via the amusement-park Gravitron scene as a metaphor.
- He saw Dawn reveling in risk while Mark sought safety, which framed the movie's central emotional divide.
