The Smashing Machine
The Smashing Machine was primarily financed by brothers Greg and Gavin O’connor (Warrior), through their production company Solaris Entertainment. Producer Jon Greenhalgh and director John Hyams (All Square) spent over a year documenting the dynamic life of MMA superstar Mark Kerr, as he battled personal demons inside and outside of the ring. What emerged was a gut-wrenching cinematic thrill ride, that continues to fascinate main-stream audiences throughout the world.
The film premiered at the 2003 Tribeca Film Festival, where it was acquired by Sheila Nevins for the critically acclaimed documentary series HBO: America Undercover.
“The Smashing Machine is some of the most brutal ‘sports entertainment’ ever documented, without herding the viewer into a moralistic pen."
- Variety