The Smashing Machine

An unflinching look at the life and story of Mark Kerr between 1999 and 2001, an intelligent, articulate, and emotionally vulnerable athlete, considered by many at the time to be the most dominant ultimate fighter in the world. A former Olympic wrestler, Kerr easily dominated all his opponents, earning him the nickname "The Smashing Machine." With the promise of big money and the euphoria of his early victories, Kerr must battle his injuries and inner fears. The shock of these fights takes a heavy toll on his body and mind, and Kerr attempts to overcome these physical and psychological traumas by turning to painkillers. Kerr's addiction is shown in its raw form, with the camera capturing him desperately soliciting drugs from friends and staff, and injecting painkillers into his veins. His shocking defeat to Fujita in Japan shows us a story that is sometimes difficult and heartbreaking to watch.

6.972

93 min

Cast

Mark Kerr

as Self

Bas Rutten

as Self

Mark Coleman

as Self

Royce Gracie

as Self

Dawn Staples

as Self

Eddie Goldman

as Self

Ken Kilpatrick

as Self

Igor Vovchanchyn

as Self

Director

John Hyams