Set to release in North America on Oct. 2, “Digger,” directed by Oscar-winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu (“Birdman” and “The Revenant”), presents stunning visuals, powerful acting and a layered plot, but ultimately results in a single-issue film whose self-aware absurdity holds back its central message.
Following Digger Rockwell, an overly-Texan oil goliath played by Tom Cruise, as he attempts to save the world from a disaster caused by his arctic drilling operations, the film doesn’t take itself seriously and the over-the-top cast of characters gives it a decidedly cartoonish feel.
Riz Ahmed and John Goodman, who play Dr. Ganesh and the president of the U.S. respectively, join Cruise to comprise a trio of wildly funny characters. The humor in “Digger” is crude and, at times, leans into racist and misogynistic jokes, although these exaggerated moments aren’t to be taken in earnest.
Oscar-winning cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki delivers stunning visuals with tranquil opening nature shots that put the viewer in a calm, thoughtful mood, which Rockwell quickly uproots when he appears on screen. In addition to the consistently strong cinematography, the film’s set design stands out as one of its greatest strengths.
The score, composed by Cosmo Sheldrake, aids the atmosphere-building established by the visuals. Strange, eerie movements, though not particularly memorable, complement the film’s surrealness. The music changes to match the intensity of moments that demand it.
Costume designer Jacqueline West worked well within the conservative bounds of the film’s business formal wardrobe, but played with Rockwell’s southern-inspired cowboy boots, hats and colored suits.
Iñárritu pushes his creativity with the plot. The complex story respects the audience, requiring viewers to pay attention and come to conclusions themselves. The writing, while not poor, leans toward common environmental messaging pointed at contemporary life in a way that feels overdone and fails to add a new dimension to the climate conversation.
“Digger” hands the viewer a concrete ending for a movie yearning for something more abstract.
Iñárritu and Cruise’s creative partnership does not disappoint, creating a visually captivating and comedically abundant movie with an impressive plot, but “Digger” fails to transcend to the heights of a work of art that shifts cultural conversation.
4 oil rigs out of 5.
