Tom Cruise's 'Digger' Sparks Fierce Debate and Box Office Concerns

Key points

• Critics are split on 'Digger,' with some calling it a 'brave art film' and others labeling it a 'mess' or 'unpleasant.'
• Tom Cruise's performance is widely praised, but the film's satirical tone and plot choices have divided audiences.
• Box office projections range from $20 million to $23.5 million, against a budget of $130 million or more.
• The film opens in theaters on October 1, with a wide release including IMAX and VistaVision formats.
• Cruise's return to dramatic roles after a decade of action films has raised eyebrows among awards pundits.

Background

Tom Cruise's 'Digger' marks his return to adult-oriented drama after more than a decade playing action movie heroes. The film was announced a few years ago, and Cruise's transformation into the title role, involving heavy makeup and prosthetics, has been a major talking point. Prior to the film's release, much of the buzz surrounding 'Digger' has related to Cruise's wild transformation into the title role, which originally took six hours to apply but was reduced to one hour through collaboration with the makeup department.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and IndieWire highlight the divisive nature of 'Digger,' with some critics praising its audacious vision and others criticizing its execution. Variety's Clayton Davis notes that the divide on the film is going to be wide, while IndieWire's Anne Thompson calls it a 'brave and gorgeous art film.' Dark Horizons reports on box office projections, noting that 'Digger' is expected to open with modest numbers despite a high budget. Extratv.com could not be accessed due to a 403 error, so no additional perspectives from that source are available.

Why it matters

The mixed critical reception and modest box office projections for 'Digger' raise questions about Tom Cruise's star power and the film's potential for awards success. The film's divisive nature may impact its commercial viability and its ability to attract mainstream audiences, while its audacious vision and strong performances could still earn it recognition at the Academy Awards.

What to watch

The film opens in theaters on October 1, with a wide release including IMAX and VistaVision formats. Full reviews are expected to be published in the coming weeks, and the film's box office performance will be closely monitored to assess its commercial viability and potential for awards success.