Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s apocalyptic satire Digger has received sharply divided reactions from critics following early screenings in New York and Los Angeles, with some hailing the film as an ambitious and audacious studio production while others have dismissed it as an empty and unsuccessful satire.
The film, which opens October 2 from Warner Bros. Pictures, stars Tom Cruise as Digger Rockwell, an eccentric oil tycoon whose business activities trigger a catastrophic chain of events. Alongside Dune: Part Three, it is expected to be one of Warner Bros.’ major titles in the upcoming awards season.
Cruise plays a wealthy and self-absorbed industrialist who learns that drilling operations in Greenland have released dangerous amounts of methane and destabilized an ice shelf. As the massive section of ice moves toward Europe, the resulting disaster threatens to trigger a tsunami and create a global catastrophe.
The film was co-written by Iñárritu, Alexander Dinelaris, Nicolás Giacobone and Sabina Berman.
Critics split over Iñárritu’s ambitious satire
Early reactions suggest that Digger could become one of the most divisive films of the fall.
Some critics praised Iñárritu for attempting an unusually ambitious and visually elaborate project within the studio system. IndieWire’s Anne Thompson described it as “a brave and gorgeous art film,” while Variety’s Clayton Davis suggested that the critical divide around the movie would be substantial.
Other reactions have been far less enthusiastic, with some critics questioning the film’s humor and describing its satire as hollow or ineffective.
The performances have also become a major point of disagreement. Cruise’s exaggerated portrayal of the oblivious oil magnate has attracted significant praise from some critics, while others have found the deliberately excessive tone difficult to embrace.
Riz Ahmed, who plays scientist Ganesh, has also emerged as one of the strongest elements in the early reactions.
The film features a major supporting cast that includes Sandra Hüller as Digger’s half-sister and business partner, John Goodman as the U.S. president, Michael Stuhlbarg as the vice president and Jesse Plemons in a mysterious role whose significance becomes clearer later in the story.
A major twist early in the film reportedly changes the direction of the story, adding another potentially divisive element to the film.
A major visual and technical production
Iñárritu reunited with cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, who has collaborated with the director on several projects. Oscar-winning production designer Dennis Gassner created the film’s bleak, meticulously constructed vision of a world approaching catastrophe.
Cruise also underwent extensive prosthetic work to transform himself into the eccentric billionaire at the center of the story. The actor has said that the makeup process was reduced from around six hours to approximately one hour.
The production reportedly cost at least $125 million, with some industry sources putting the figure higher. Once marketing and awards-season spending are included, the film is expected to require a worldwide box office of more than $300 million to reach profitability, according to an industry source.
Cruise enters another Oscar campaign
At 64, Cruise is again positioned as a potential awards contender. The actor has received four competitive Oscar nominations but has never won, although he received an Honorary Academy Award last year.
His campaign for Digger is already underway, including a recent GQ cover story and promotional appearances ahead of the film’s release.
The film also represents another opportunity for Cruise to pursue a dramatically different role after the blockbuster success of the Mission: Impossible and Top Gun franchises.
Whether Digger becomes a major awards contender or one of the season’s most polarizing releases will likely depend on how audiences respond when the film expands into wide release.
The movie will open in theaters on October 2, including IMAX and, at selected locations, VistaVision screenings.
Be First to Comment