Introduction to Digger
The first full-length trailer for Alejandro González Iñárritu's highly anticipated comedy-drama Digger has been released, giving audiences their first look at Tom Cruise's latest role. Cruise plays Digger Rockwell, a powerful oil baron who may have triggered an ecological disaster that could lead to nuclear war. The film is set for worldwide release in early October and boasts a talented supporting cast, including John Goodman, Riz Ahmed, and Sophie Wilde.
According to Cruise, working on Digger was a unique experience, unlike any project he had worked on before. 'I have never had something that could challenge me in this way and neither had Alejandro when we went in, ever,' he said in a recent interview. This sentiment is echoed by Iñárritu, who described the idea for Digger as a 'relentless, recurring obsession' that took him 10 years to bring to life.
The Idea Behind Digger
The concept for Digger was born out of Iñárritu's experience working on his 2015 epic The Revenant, which won him the best director Oscar. At the time, he had an idea for a character, but it wasn't until years later that he found the right way to tell the story. 'It was just after The Revenant when I had an idea,' Iñárritu recalled in a video message. 'Not a script, not a film, just a relentless, recurring obsession that has endured through all these wild years.'
This obsession eventually led to the creation of Digger Rockwell, a complex character who embodies both comedic and tragic elements. As Iñárritu noted, 'the source of great comedy is tragedy,' and this is reflected in the film's tone, which balances humor with the gravity of the ecological disaster at its core. The use of VistaVision, a high-definition analog process, adds to the film's unique visual style and emphasizes the director's attention to detail.
Tom Cruise's Involvement
Tom Cruise's involvement in Digger began around seven years ago, when Iñárritu pitched the idea to him over the course of several days. Cruise has spoken highly of Iñárritu's work, particularly his 2000 film Amores Perros, which he praised for its 'powerful human voice' and 'incredibly skilled' direction. This admiration is evident in Cruise's commitment to the project, which he describes as a 'hell of an experience.'
Cruise's transformation into Digger Rockwell is striking, with the actor donning a grey combover, a pot belly, and a strong southern accent. This physical transformation is matched by his dedication to the role, which required him to immerse himself in the character's world and mindset. As Cruise noted, 'I'm listening to everything that's in his mind, so that I can understand that, and then I know how to contribute to it, and bring that collaboration together.' This collaborative approach is reflected in the film's trailer, which promises a unique and captivating cinematic experience.