The Rock Says 15 Minute Applause For ‘The Smashing Machine’ At Venice Film Festival Was Validation For Mark Kerr

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stars as Mark Kerr in “The Smashing Machine,” a film based on the life and MMA career of Kerr.

At the Venice Film Festival, “The Smashing Machine” made its premire, and when it was over, the audience cheered for 15 minutes. The Rock was seen getting emotional during the applause.

Speaking to Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show, The Rock reflected on the moment.

“That was emotional. That was really emotional. You make this film, ‘The Smashing Machine’ and you’re not attached to an outcome or a response. It’s all new stuff to me. I went to Venice Film Festival and we’re in competition and I’m floating as it is. I get there on Saturday, the premiere is on Monday. I’m looking through my phone at these other movies that are debuting and getting these standing ovations. Five minutes, six minutes, ten minutes. I’m thinking, ‘Are we going to get a minute? Do I have to clap for myself?’

“There are cards at the end of the movie, before the credits roll, and one of the cards says, ‘The fighters today make millions of dollars and everyone knows their name. His name was Mark Kerr.’ That place, I have chills, erupted for 15 and a half minutes. Before the credits roll and the lights come on, I’m crying, I’m trying to clear my tears away. Mark Kerr, who I sat next to, this is his life, he’s a big guy and he was shaking the whole time. It’s a very intense and emotional film. I was so happy for Mark because it was his validation that, despite his struggles, despite the fact that he overdosed twice and is still here and lucky to be alive, things turned out okay, and he is an inspiration to everybody. That’s what that applause meant.”

“The Smashing Machine” is in theaters on October 3.

Fans can find more coverage of the film here.

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