The Smashing Machine
The Life and Times of Extreme Cage Fighter Mark Kerr
93 mins
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.
Dawn Staples
Herself
Eddie Goldman
Himself
Josh Fagin
Associate Producer
Neil Fazzari
Co-Producer
Kevin Goodman
Executive Producer
Jon Greenhalgh
Producer
Frederico Lapenda
Associate Producer
Mike Masone
Associate Producer
Jerry McFadden
Executive Producer
Greg O'Connor
Executive Producer
Michael Robinson
Executive Producer
Stephen Schlueter
Co-Producer
Boxhead Ensemble
Music
Stephen Schlueter
Cinematography
Jordan Mokriski
Editor
Tom Efinger
Sound Re-Recording Mixer
Neil Fazzari
Sound Recordist
Nicholas Montgomery
Sound Designer
John Moros
Assistant Sound Editor
Jay Peck
Foley Artist
Greg Magnuson
Camera Operator