Hideo Kojima Praises Tom Cruise’s DIGGER, Calling It a Movie Everyone Should See
Hideo Kojima has nothing but praise for Tom Cruise’s latest movie, Digger, even as the film struggles with critics and takes a massive beating at the box office.
Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, the dark comedy stars Cruise as an oil magnate desperately trying to save the world from an environmental catastrophe that he caused. It’s a wild premise, and while the movie hasn’t exactly won over everyone, Kojima thinks it’s one of those films people will be talking about for years.
The Death Stranding creator recently shared his thoughts on the film, offering a glowing recommendation, arguing that the film has something important to say about the world we're living in.
"Director Iñárritu's DIGGER is a film that all of us living in today's world should see," Kojima continued. "It is a work that remains with the audience, provoking reflection and sounding alarms.
“As you absorb this film and carry it with you, a 'tool (a digger)' for delving deeper into the future will surely begin to take shape within you. This is a film that will stay by your side for years to come."
Kojima clearly connected with the film’s themes and what Iñárritu was trying to accomplish. Unfortunately, that enthusiasm hasn't translated into box office success.
Despite a talented ensemble cast that includes John Goodman, Jesse Plemons, Riz Ahmed, Emma D’Arcy, Sandra Hüller, and Michael Stuhlbarg, Digger has turned into a major financial disappointment.
The film is on track to lose approximately $245 million, putting it among the biggest box office disasters in Hollywood history.
Critics haven't been particularly kind to the movie either. Digger currently holds a 53% score on Rotten Tomatoes, making it Cruise's lowest-rated film in nearly a decade. Audiences have been more forgiving, giving it a considerably better 75% score.
It's interesting to see such a huge divide in reactions, especially with someone like Kojima coming away so impressed. His appreciation for unconventional storytelling makes his response particularly fitting for a movie that apparently isn't connecting with mainstream audiences.
Whether Digger eventually finds a second life as an overlooked cult favorite remains to be seen, but Kojima certainly believes there's something worthwhile here.
Digger is currently playing in theaters.
Have you seen it yet? Do you think the movie deserves the criticism it's getting, or is this one of those films audiences will appreciate more down the road?