Smashing Machine Part 1

The Smashing Machine review by Hywel Teague, 20 March 2003

Introduction

The Smashing Machine was a documentary first aired in the US by major TV channel HBO. It focuses primarily on prolific mixed martial arts fighter Mark Kerr, and also features former UFC and Pride Champion Mark Coleman.

The film is unnerving; a bleak journey through the life of one of the top names in the sport and portrays the anxiety, fear and drug addiction that came so close to consuming Kerr's life.

In the space of 90 minutes, we see a particularly difficult slice of Kerrās life- the first loss in his previously undefeated career, his drug use and subsequent overdose, the break-up of his relationship with his fiancŽ and the rocky road to recovery and attempt at reaching former glory.

A documentary of this nature had never been attempted within the sport of MMA before. Never before had we been so close to the fighters, never before had we been behind the scenes and bore witness to the emotional roller coaster fighters are subjected to. This film is a dark insight indeed, yet one that must surely be welcomed by fans and fighters alike.

Kerr

The Smashing Machine opens with a silent Japanese crowd, transfixed on some unseen event. Slowly, the camera pans across to a ring. Slow motion footage of Kerr battling an opponent comes on as the voice of Mark Kerr explains about the fear that runs through his mind before a fight, the thoughts that come into his head whilst he is in the ring. Assertion, he says. He wishes to physically assert himself on the other person before they do the same to him. Kerr is victorious. He celebrates, to the adoration of thousands of fans. The highs, he says. The high of winning is a beautiful thing, he says. Then the dream stops, the picture frozen on Kerrās triumphant face. But then, Kerr says, when all that is taken away from you, you are left with nothing.

With these opening shots, we are left with no doubt this is not going to be a feel good film. Immediately upon his return to the US, Kerr is at his doctors, complaining of various injuries sustained during his last fight. This physical specimen, this vision of athleticism is human and fragile after all. Scars clutter his body, his pain is visible, his movements stiff and awkward.

Whilst in the waiting room he meets a woman with no knowledge of the sport. Explaining his profession with an obviously rehearsed and oft-repeated spiel, Kerr comes across as soft spoken, articulate and intelligent. This is not the man we thought it to be. This Smashing Machine can't be so human? Can he? A man who beats upon another with his fists, feet, elbows and knees surely must be a mindless barbarian? Not so

His family had reservations of him competing in MMA. His mother was opposed to the idea, and it was only after her passing he decided to compete. Kerr's father likens the sport to cock fighting; an analogy many involved with the sport will cringe when they hear. It is evident that Kerr comes from a decent working class background, with a supportive family and no obvious problems. What drives an intelligent college graduate and successful athlete to start fighting?

Kerr originally entered the sport for financial reasons. He had little money, as a wrestler he had little in the way of prospects so decided to enter the third World Vale Tudo Challenge. He describes in detail the pressure he felt, the fear that almost consumed him before his first fight. Despite this, the 29-year-old Kerr cleaned up to win the tournament. After pulverising everyone he faced with his awesome display of wrestling combined with a murderous Ground and Pound strategy, Kerr immediately made a mark on the international scene.

He then moved into the UFC. Winning fight after fight and becoming champion of UFC 14 and 15, Kerr was then lured to Japan to fight in the new organisation Pride. After a string of wins Kerr was emerging as a star amongst the heavyweight fighters, a dominant force capable of smashing anything in its path.

Kerr lives with his fiancŽ Dawn Staples. Theirs is a loving relationship, passionate and vibrant. Dawn talks about wanting to start a family and how Mark would make a good father. We get to see more of their relationship later

Coleman

Mark Coleman is another wrestler turned fighter. He was among the first successful wrestlers to enter the UFC and employ the now famous ground and pound strategy. Coleman was another dominant force but his blistering rise to the top was met with an equally rapid fall from grace. A string of losses leaves Colemanās future in doubt, and with his advancing years and young family to support, he is in a dilemma. Does he keep fighting and risk getting hurt or does he retire to an uncertain future?