Tom Cruise Transforms into a Potbellied Tycoon in 'Digger': "Audiences Over the Oscars; I'm Interested in Human Nature"

[Financial News] "What interests me is human nature."
Action star Tom Cruise has returned as a tycoon character who examines the contradictions of human nature. In Alejandro G. Iñárritu's new film 'Digger,' he plays Digger Rockwell and explained at a press conference in Korea on the 1st why he decided to take on the new role.
Cruise repeatedly mentioned "originality" and "humanity" while discussing the film. For an actor who has captivated audiences with spectacular action, the project offered an opportunity to portray a character's actions and inner life in an entirely different way.
He said, "I had never seen a character like Digger in any film," adding, "The world of the film and the character were both astonishing. I wanted to make this film as an artist, and I wanted to work with Iñárritu."

His meeting with Alejandro G. Iñárritu, who won the Academy Award for Best Director two years in a row for 'Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)' and 'The Revenant,' came after years of preparation.
According to Cruise, the director spent nine years developing the project, and Cruise joined in 2019. After producer Mary Parent contacted him to say that the director wanted to discuss his next film, Cruise went to the office and talked with him until dawn.
He said, "Alejandro Iñárritu is one of the greatest directors in film history," adding, "With this film, he created a new structure and method for telling a story. That is extremely rare in cinema."
Some believe that his new appearance and acting transformation could earn him an Oscar. However, when asked about his chances of winning an award, Cruise focused first on the filmmaking process and the audience.

He said, "Being able to make a film is always a special opportunity and an honor," adding, "Everything else, including the opening-weekend results, comes afterward." He continued, "I make films for the audience."
Asked which of the film's various themes, including materialism and capitalism, attracted him, he answered, "Humanity." He said, "The film is structured in a very contemporary way, but the story is timeless," adding, "It is about how human beings behave and respond."
Asked about the meaning of the film's political satire, he replied, "I don't think this film is simply about politics. It is a film about humanity," adding, "Because of the way Alejandro used humor to construct the story, we can look at ourselves as human beings."

After 46 years as an actor, Cruise finds the meaning of filmmaking in how long a work remains in audiences' memories and what conversations it sparks. That interest is connected to a dream he has held since childhood: to make films, travel the world, meet people in different places, and understand life.
He said, "What I dream of is for films to endure and stories to live on," adding, "More important than what I say is how you think and how other people think."
On his 13th visit to Korea, he expressed his hope of returning 30 more times.
"I hope you can see the film as soon as possible. I want to hear what conversations you have about it. I want to share this film with you."

[email protected] Shin Jin-a Reporter