Christopher Nolan pays tribute to Dwayne Johnson in The Smashing Machine

Crushing machine It may not have been a knockout at the box office, but Dwayne Johnson’s role as UFC fighter Mark Kerr has a huge fan following in Christopher Nolan.

the Oppenheimer The director praised Johnson during an interview with Crushing machine Helmer Benny Safdie The director snappeda Directors Guild of America podcast.

Nolan said the performance was “heartbreaking”, adding: “I think it’s an amazing 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 fondly of each other’s work in the past. Nolan is a huge fan of Fast and furious franchise, while Johnson spoke of the “amazing” viewing experience. Oppenheimer In IMAX.

During Nolan’s discussion with Safdie, Crushing machine The director revealed that he was developing the project while he was playing the lead role Oppenheimer. Safdie met Emily Blunt while filming.

“I heard a rumor that when you were supposed to learn your lines on set, you were actually getting people to participate in your movie. I wasn’t aware of it at the time, but apparently it worked out great for you,” Nolan joked. Safdie laughed and said that he had taken advantage of Blunt while… Oppenheimer Question and answer.

Nolan added during the podcast: “Congratulations on the film. It’s a truly wonderful, wonderful piece of work that will be understood more and more over time. I’m very proud to know you.”