The Smashing Machine may not have been a box office knockout, but Dwayne Johnson‘s turn as UFC fighter Mark Kerr has a big admirer in Christopher Nolan.
The Oppenheimer director lavished praise on Johnson during an interview with The Smashing Machine helmer Benny Safdie on The Director’s Cut, the Directors Guild of America’s podcast.
Nolan said the performance was “heartbreaking,” adding: “I think it’s an incredible performance. I don’t think you’ll see a better performance this year or most other years.”
Nolan and Johnson have not worked together, but they have spoken with admiration about each other’s work in the past. Nolan is a big fan of the Fast & Furious franchise, while Johnson has talked about the “amazing” experience of watching Oppenheimer in IMAX.
During Nolan’s discussion with Safdie, The Smashing Machine director revealed that he was developing the project while he was starring in Oppenheimer. Safdie met Emily Blunt during the shoot.
“I heard a rumor that when you were supposed to be learning your lines on my set, you were actually canvassing people to be in your movie. I wasn’t aware of that at the time, but it seems to have worked out great for you,” Nolan joked. Safdie laughed and said he tapped Blunt up during an Oppenheimer Q&A.
During the podcast, Nolan added: “Congratulations on the movie. It’s a really remarkable and radical piece of work that will be understood more and more over time. I’m very proud to know you.”
The post Christopher Nolan Lavishes Praise On Dwayne Johnson In ‘The Smashing Machine’: “I Don’t Think You’ll See A Better Performance This Year” appeared first on Deadline.
