Tom Cruise is known for his blockbuster action films and death-defying stunts. However, the first full trailer for Digger comes with a new kind of side to the actor that has never been seen before.
Under the direction of Alejandro G. Iñárritu, the movie seems to be a well-punching dark satire with psychological suspense, social criticism and a memorable protagonist.
The trailer reveals Cruise as an older oil billionaire, whose actions have apparently played a role in bringing about a catastrophe around the world.
The movie doesn’t characterise him as a stereotypical bad guy but as a flawed and increasingly desperate man, who believes that he can solve the problem.
Right from the start, it’s obvious that Digger isn’t really about the spectacle, but about the power, the ego and the results of unrestrained ambition.
The most shocking thing about the trailer is the physical metamorphosis Cruise has undergone. Under the heavy prosthetics, grey hair and older look, he’s not easily recognised by anyone.
His character has a southern accent and he does not perform in his usual style, which helps to differentiate this part from his previous roles.
This time Cruise has not only got the charisma, but he’s really dedicated himself to making his character as complicated as he can, who is gradually losing his confidence and falling into the realms of vulnerability and desperation.
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The trailer looks like Iñárritu’s signature style of filmmaking. The film’s cinematography is a mix of close-ups and large-scale shots, evoking a sense of surrealism and realism.
The editing is effective in not “spoiling” the plot but gradually building suspense so the viewers will be kept in suspense and not overwhelmed.
The greater political, environmental, and personal conflicts are implied but never explicitly stated in each of the scenes.
The supporting cast of John Goodman, Riz Ahmed, Jesse Plemons, Sandra Hüller, Emma D’Arcy, Sophie Wilde, and Michael Stuhlbarg are only seen very briefly, but every moment implies that they will be significant in telling the story of Digger, whether it is through information, confrontation, or even intimidation.
Their inclusion adds to the sense that this is an ensemble drama featuring intricate relationships and not a solo act.
The one thing that one might find lacking about the trailer is its somewhat enigmatic mood, which may cause some people to wonder about the actual film’s story.
It also has a slower pace than some might expect, and might not be something that Tom Cruise fans usually expect.
That uncertainty could be one of the movie’s biggest assets, though.
For the most part, the Digger trailer is a promising and thought-provoking film that will force Tom Cruise to leave his comfort zone.
It doesn’t emphasise the action sequences, but rather the character, atmosphere and satire.
If the completed movie lives up to the promise in this trailer, Digger may be one of the most intriguing and lightning-in-the-bucket films Cruise will ever make.
Digger might finally become the film that gets Tom Cruise his first Oscar for acting. He has already received an honorary Oscar award.
FAQs
Q1: What genre is Digger?
Digger is a dark satirical drama with psychological and political themes, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu.
Q2: Does the Digger trailer feature Tom Cruise performing action stunts?
No. The trailer focuses on Cruise’s dramatic performance as Digger Rockwell, emphasising character and satire rather than action.
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