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Benny Safdie

All articles tagged with #benny safdie

entertainment4 months ago

Dwayne Johnson Prepares for Bizarre 'Lizard Music' Role with Dramatic Weight Loss

Benny Safdie and Dwayne Johnson are set to reteam on the film 'Lizard Music,' an adaptation of Daniel Pinkwater's novel, with Safdie directing Johnson in the role of Chicken Man. The project follows their acclaimed work at Venice, where Safdie won the Silver Lion and Johnson received praise for his performance. The story centers on a boy discovering a secret world of music and adventure, exploring themes of magic and friendship. The package will be shopped soon, with production led by Safdie, Johnson, and others.

entertainment4 months ago

Venice Film Festival Winners Revealed

Benny Safdie won the Best Director award at the 82nd Venice Film Festival for his film 'The Smashing Machine', which is part of a highly praised competition lineup that includes films like 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' and others vying for the Golden Lion. The festival also awarded other honors across various categories, highlighting a successful event with notable films and performances.

entertainment4 months ago

Dwayne Johnson Shines in 'The Smashing Machine' at Venice Film Festival

Critics have mixed reviews for Benny Safdie's MMA drama 'The Smashing Machine,' with praise for Dwayne Johnson's transformative performance as fighter Mark Kerr, though some find the film's narrative and character development lacking depth. The film explores Kerr's struggles with fame, addiction, and personal relationships, offering a raw and intimate portrayal that diverges from traditional sports movies.

entertainment2 years ago

Unraveling the Metaphysical Absurdism of 'The Curse'

"The Curse," a series with a 94% critic score and 35% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, has garnered a cult following despite being the least-watched Showtime series this season. The show, which stars Emma Stone and comedian Nathan Fielder, explores themes of gentrification, racial and class guilt, religion, and marriage. Stone, who also worked as an executive producer, was eager to work with Fielder before even knowing the details of the project. The series has been described as genre-bending, surreal, and avant-garde, with a finale that leaves viewers with more questions than answers.

entertainment2 years ago

"The Rock joins forces with Benny Safdie for A24 biopic on MMA pioneer Mark Kerr"

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson will team up with A24 and writer/director Benny Safdie for a biopic about mixed martial artist Mark Kerr titled The Smashing Machine. Johnson's production company, Seven Bucks Production, had previously announced the film in 2019, but Safdie's involvement was recently revealed. Johnson will not only produce but also star as Kerr in the movie, which is based on the 2002 HBO documentary of the same name. The documentary explored Kerr's career as a heavyweight fighter and his struggles with addiction. This project marks a departure from Johnson's upcoming film Red Notice 2 for Netflix.

entertainment2 years ago

"The Rock and Benny Safdie Collaborate on A24's 'The Smashing Machine' Starring MMA Legend Mark Kerr"

Dwayne Johnson is set to star in "The Smashing Machine," a drama directed by Benny Safdie and produced by A24. The film tells the story of MMA and UFC champion Mark Kerr, focusing on his struggles with addiction, winning, love, and friendship in the year 2000. Johnson's production company, Seven Bucks Productions, will produce alongside Safdie's Out for the Count banner, with A24 joining as producer and financier. This marks Johnson's most dramatic role to date, and Safdie's solo directorial debut.

entertainment2 years ago

Dwayne Johnson Set to Portray MMA Legend Mark Kerr in A24 Film

Dwayne Johnson will star in the upcoming A24 film "The Smashing Machine," directed by Benny Safdie. The movie will depict the real-life story of mixed martial arts fighter Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion. A24 will finance and produce the film, alongside Johnson's Seven Bucks Productions and Safdie's Out for the Count banner. Johnson and Safdie have been developing the project since 2019.