JEANNE’S REVIEW

Outrageous, over the top, sometimes downright hilarious and definitely bizarre, DIGGER affords Tom Cruise an opportunity to remind everyone that he is more than just an action figure. Playing the titular character Digger Rockwell, Cruise gives a master class in acting, along with a stellar supporting cast.

Digger may be the most powerful man in the world, but he will stop at nothing to save his dying cat Maggie. Unfortunately, a rather large chunk of a glacier is headed for western Europe with the potential of annihilating hundreds of thousands, so Digger’s attention is needed elsewhere.

Directed by multiple Academy Award winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu, who wrote the screenplay with Alexander Dinelaris, Nicolás Giacobone and Sabina Berman, DIGGER is a darkly comedic satire, which has plenty to say about big oil and crooked politicians. Digger Rockwell may be on a mission to save humanity, but his actions are also fueled by the knowledge that he’s the one responsible for the impending disaster.

Aiding in his frenzied efforts is Ganesh (Riz Ahmed), the one person who tried to warn Digger of this preventable tragedy. But, as we are all very much aware, the demand for oil has always taken precedent.

Equally freaking out is U.S. President Compson (John Goodman), Vice President Fryman (Michael Stuhlbarg), and others in his cabinet. Digger’s sister, Emma Rockwell (Sandra Hüller) has her own concerns since it is her company which was supposed to provide environmental relief but could ultimately prove even more dangerous. Is it too late to save the world?

Iñárritu has his own distinct style of filmmaking --- and DIGGER will not appeal to the masses. But for the ardent cinephile, the performances alone are worth a trip to the theater. Cruise is almost unrecognizable as the blubbery tycoon who must always have his way. And though his character is excessive and overbearing, Cruise never loses control of the narrative. His 10-minute monologue is simply brilliant.

As outstanding as Cruise is, Ahmed brings exactly the same energy. He’s electric as the mousy Ganesh, who finally finds his voice after a couple of bottles of bourbon. The rest of the cast, including Jesse Plemons who plays Kenny, is phenomenal, which makes DIGGER all the more entertaining.

Japanese-American visual artist and prosthetist, Kazu Hiro, is responsible for Cruise’s unbelievable transformation, while makeup artist Alessandro Bertolazzi created looks for the rest of the cast. But the metamorphous of the actors is just one aspect of DIGGER. The production designs by Dennis Gassner and Richard Johnson are truly remarkable and add another dimension to this already riveting piece of filmmaking.

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DAVID’S REVIEW                    

Alejandro G. Iñárritu, one of the world’s great directors with five Academy Awards to his credit (including movies like BIRDMAN, THE REVENANT and 21 GRAMS) has created DIGGER, a story that had been developed over nine years. A quartet of writers, including Iñárritu, is responsible for what will certainly be a controversial film.

Admittedly I was not initially enamored with what I was watching on screen, whereas my illustrious writing partner expressed her love and admiration immediately for DIGGER. However, there is an incredible surprise twist at the end of the movie that I doubt anyone will see coming. This changed my whole perspective on what I had experienced and now has me considering a second viewing.

The incredible cast, starring an almost unrecognizable Tom Cruise as the title character, is phenomenal. Cruise’s memorable performance, especially his 10-minute monologue where he tries to defend his oil tycoon tactics and reputation in front of a very angry crowd (some of whom were actually mannequins) is reason enough to invest your time.

The rest of the cast is equally captivating. Riz Ahmed plays Ganesh, a scientist unafraid to confront the powerful Digger Rockwell about how he has imperiled the Earth. The Academy Award winner is quite impressive in this complex role. John Goodman plays President Compson, and he is a hoot, unafraid, despite his position, to flail away with F-bombs. The remainder of the main cast includes Sandra Hüller as Digger’s sister, Emma, Michael Stuhlbarg as the Vice President and Jesse Plemons as Kenny, all outstanding.

DIGGER is not for the casual moviegoing public. But it certainly has its moments of great mirth combined with serious and thought-provoking drama.

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