Benny Safdie on making a hero's journey out of Dwayne Johnson in 'Smashing Machine'

TORONTO — Benny Safdie understands why some people might want to see him take a swing at his older brother, Josh.

The New York filmmaker siblings were once seemingly inseparable as the directing duo behind the acclaimed “Uncut Gems” starring Adam Sandler, and “Good Time,” led by Robert Pattinson.

But when they abruptly – and he says amicably – ended their creative partnership a few years ago, the director sensed that at least a few outsiders assumed a rift between them. He said, some might’ve even wanted tensions to flare.

“That’s what people want to see,” Safdie said in a recent interview at the Toronto International Film Festival.

“It doesn’t mean that’s what’s happening. But it’s fun. I think it’s funny. He’s my brother.”

Both brothers head into the final months of the year with th