By Jeremy Fuster

Since its premiere in Venice, critics have praised A24’s “The Smashing Machine” as a bold performance for Dwayne Johnson, playing against the electrifying, blockbuster-fueled image he has built since his days as The Rock in a vulnerable (and prosthetic-laden) performance as MMA legend Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s cliche-defying sports drama.

But the audience doesn’t seem to be interested in Johnson’s dramatic leap. Amid solid but not stellar reception from audiences, “The Smashing Machine” earned an opening weekend of just $5.9 million from 3,345 theaters. It’s the lowest wide opening of Johnson’s career, falling below the $8.5 million opening of the 2010 action film “Faster.”