When it comes to cinematic influences, Tom Cruise is all about paying homage to the filmmakers he admires. He recently revealed how Alejandro G. Iñárritu's iconic "Amores Perros" left an indelible mark on him, shaping his latest role in the much-anticipated film "Digger." Cruise was all praises at a press event, reminiscing about the 2001 Oscar-winning film. "What a brilliant film. It was amazing," he said, echoing the sentiment of many film buffs worldwide. "Every aspect of that film was very thought out, very detailed, and you could feel the powerful human voice of someone who was incredibly skilled at what they were doing."
Fast forward 25 years, and Cruise is stepping into a role unlike any other in this new dark comedy. Teaming up with Iñárritu, the legendary actor embarked on a promotional whirlwind for "Digger," which is set to hit theaters on October 2. At a recent trailer reveal at Warner Bros., Cruise was in high spirits, mingling with journalists and influencers alike. "He's never made something like this before, nor have I," Cruise enthused, acknowledging the unique challenge and excitement of his latest cinematic venture.
"Digger" boasts an impressive roster with talents like John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Riz Ahmed, and Jesse Plemons sharing the screen with Cruise. The actor is almost unrecognizable as Digger Rockwell, a quirky oil baron brought to life with elaborate prosthetic makeup. Iñárritu, who carefully crafted this story over a decade, knew Cruise was perfect for the role. "The transformation he went through was astonishing," the director commented in a prerecorded video, highlighting Cruise's dedication to his craft.
“I knew who this character was. I knew how he spoke, how he survived, how he seduced reality into agreeing with him,” Iñárritu revealed, emphasizing the depth he poured into the character of Digger Rockwell.
Cruise's approach to the role was equally meticulous. The actor insisted Iñárritu read the script line by line, absorbing every nuance and intention. "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," Cruise explained, demonstrating his commitment to delivering a performance that honors both the director's vision and his own storied career.