Tom Cruise and Alejandro G. Iñárritu (Birdman, The Revenant) bring to the screen a fascinating, complex character caught up in a farcical, apocalyptic tale, Digger.
Digger Rockwell (Cruise) is a super wealthy, eccentric businessman with the President’s ear who wakes up one day to find that one of his oil wells off Greenland has triggered an environmental disaster that has far reaching, catastrophic consequences. When the event shows signs of escalating, there is global panic and emergency meetings with The President (John Goodman), his military aids, and top scientific minds. Can Digger and the brain trust find a solution in time?
Digger is portrayed as an arrogant, egotistical bully who is used to getting his way until he faces a dire situation seemingly beyond his control. It’s a high wire act by Cruise, and as much as he impresses with this mercurial character, he receives great support from a cast including Goodman, Sandra Hüller, and Riz Ahmed.
The
story has surreal overtones (with a dash of Luis Buñuel) as it questions truth
and reality, and when it is revealed as part of a larger narrative (akin to a Shakespearean
play within a play), the film’s unorthodox construct at times requires a
hefty investment by the audience. While
some may appreciate the whimsical nature of its wild plot and its topical,
environmental themes, others may be put off or confused by how some scenes are simply
too outrageous.
For
those who are game, it plays like a satire, with a Dr. Strangelove vibe
bouncing from outrageous drama to black comedy mocking the conventions of
politics and religion with a hint of The Producers. Despite a bravura, Oscar worthy effort by
Cruise, this is a bold film that is ultimately overwhelmed by its own
ambitions.
****
of ***** stars
