Tom Cruise, known for his friendly demeanor, is making a remarkable return to the screen with a bold character in the film 'Digger.' Collaborating with acclaimed director Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Cruise portrays a unique billionaire character that raises profound questions about human nature across time.
On October 1, a press conference for 'Digger' was held at the Conrad Seoul in Yeouido, Seoul, featuring Cruise as the lead actor.
The film 'Digger' tells the story of a quirky billionaire, Digger Rockwell (played by Cruise), whose Greenland glacier drilling facility experiences a minor crack that escalates into a catastrophic disaster affecting the entire world. Directed by Iñárritu, who previously won Academy Awards for 'Birdman' and 'The Revenant,' the film has generated significant buzz since its production phase.
Iñárritu was unable to attend the event due to personal reasons. Cruise expressed his disappointment, stating, "The director really wanted to be here but couldn't make it due to unavoidable circumstances. He sends his sincere apologies to the fans in Korea."
This marks Cruise's 13th visit to South Korea, earning him the title of the Hollywood actor with the most visits to the country. He shared his affection for Korea, saying, "I truly love Korea. The weather is nice, and it's a beautiful day. I am genuinely happy to be here again. This is my 13th visit, and I hope to come back 30 more times in the future."
Reflecting on his career, Cruise said, "Since I was a child, it has been my dream to make movies and travel the world. It is an honor and a privilege to have worked with talented people in various fields for 46 years."
Cruise revealed that he chose to work with Iñárritu without hesitation, praising him as a legendary artist. "I have had the honor of working with historical figures like Spielberg and Kubrick, and Iñárritu is also an extraordinary artist and master," he said.
He recounted his first contact with Iñárritu in 2019, stating, "I received the first call in 2019. The producer wanted to discuss the next project, so that night, I rode my motorcycle to Iñárritu's office in San Diego and spent hours discussing the film."
Cruise expressed his fascination with the character and narrative, stating, "Digger is a multi-layered character like nothing I've seen before. The director has been preparing this project for nine years. It showcases a unique and original work that elevates filmmaking to 'another level' beyond cinematic perspectives."
In this film, Cruise not only undergoes a striking physical transformation but also delivers a nuanced performance. He meticulously considered how to visualize the text within the detailed set design, which includes thousands of hand-painted miniature pieces.
He noted, "To portray this character, I studied music and practiced movements like a dance, training my physical attributes."
Regarding a significant monologue scene that appears in the latter part of the film, he explained, "I had to be completely free while being fully aware of the script and camera angles. It was like knowing what beat to play first when performing a jazz instrument."
Cruise added, "Even with beautiful costumes and makeup, it ultimately depends on how the actor utilizes them to bring the story to life. The essence lies in the content and narrative captured within the frame, regardless of the tools used to film it."
'Digger' critiques materialism and the shortcomings of modern society, blending comedy and political satire. Cruise emphasized, "Every time I go to a new environment, I observe people who believe they are right yet make mistakes. This film prompts reflection on universal humanity and human nature. The highlight of this movie is maintaining humor while addressing timeless themes."
Due to his powerful performance, some are already predicting an Oscar nomination for Cruise. However, he remains focused on the audience, stating, "I only make films for the audience. Regardless of awards or evaluations, I hope viewers reflect on life through the lens this film provides and engage in honest discussions. I wish for this work to leave a lasting impact over time."
In closing, Cruise expressed gratitude for the warm welcome, saying, "Thank you for the warm hospitality. I am happy to be here. I never want to miss this opportunity. I always find it beautiful every time I come. I am curious about what discussions Korean audiences will have after watching this film. I am glad to share this work with Korea."
Cruise's transformative performance and the film's profound message will be showcased in 'Digger,' which opens in theaters nationwide on October 3.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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