The trailer for Tom Cruise’s Digger makes zero sense - but that’s why it’s pure genius

Opinion: When you think of proper A-grade movie stars, Tom Cruise is one of the names that comes to mind. But the new trailer for his latest movie Digger is... well, utterly confusing to say the least.

The first look at his upcoming satirical black comedy dropped on Wednesday, with the 63-year-old leading the ensemble cast. But I can safely say it’s three minutes and 23 seconds that will leave you with more questions than answers.

But, perhaps, that’s what makes it utterly brilliant.

I’ve watched it a few times now and I couldn’t tell you a single thing about what I think will happen in Digger, but do I want to see it?  You bet I do. 

A good two and a half minutes of that trailer is nothing but a Cruise highlight reel. 

We’re talking iconic lines like the Top Gun classic, “I feel the need, the need for speed.” 

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“I will not apologise for who I am, I will not apologise for what I need,” Cruise said in the intense monologue in the 1999 film Magnolia. 

The iconic Risky Business scene where he slid around the floor in nothing but a button-up shirt, socks, underwear and a pair of sunglasses is also featured. 

The footage is a greatest hits reel of his 46 years in the industry, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you had just watched some fan-made tribute to his career. 

But what it does show is his versatility, and proves that his career spans far further than just a couple of big time blockbuster hits.

There’s something about this absolutely unexpected way to promote a movie that really makes you want to go, “I want more.” 

When the trailer eventually got to scenes from Digger – at the two minute 31 second mark – we saw the first look at Cruise in the movie, but it still didn’t do much to answer any questions. 

Cruise stars as Digger Rockwell, a man described as the most powerful person in the world. 

According to the film’s official summary, Rockwell embarks on a desperate mission to convince humanity that he is its saviour before a catastrophe of his own making destroys everything around him.

Oh, and let’s not forget this one is a comedy. 

The Digger scenes are scarce but the first look at it all hinted at a project that’ll be less action and more chaos with a strong satirical tone. 

At first glance, it’s different for Cruise, but it could be one of his most bold creative swings in a long time. 

It’s also going to be the first time that Cruise has worked with Alejandro G. Iñárritu, whose acclaimed filmography includes Birdman, The Revenant, Babel, and Amores Perros.

The cast for Digger also includes Jesse Plemons, Sandra Hüller, Riz Ahmed, Sophie Wilde, Emma D’Arcy, Michael Stuhlbarg, John Goodman, Burn Gorman, and Robert John Burke.

So, with so many questions still unanswered and a tease of chaos and comedy, the trailer might seem like a bizarre move.

But really, I think it’s utterly genius.