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Tom Cruise’s Climate Satire ‘Digger’ Splits Critics Ahead of Weak Box Office Debut

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Coverage spectrum

Covered by 5 outlets, mostly right-leaning (60%).

10 articles in total, 5 of them opinion. The spectrum counts each outlet once and leaves opinion out. How we measure bias

Tom Cruise stars as oil tycoon Digger Rockwell in “Digger,” a climate-change satire directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, opening October 2. Critics are sharply divided: the film holds an evenly split Rotten Tomatoes score of 52 percent, with some praising it as bold and others calling it among the worst of Cruise’s career. Reports place its budget around $135 million and say early tracking has fallen from roughly $30 million to as low as $8 million to $12 million for its opening weekend. Warner Bros., which releases the film before merging with Paramount, put out a promotional video highlighting the conflicting reviews under the line “Decide for yourself,” featuring Cruise’s character declaring “F--- those people!” The film had previously been discussed as a possible Oscar contender for Cruise.

Headline and summary written by Mantle’s AI from the coverage below, under published rules. How this works

What happened

Key points

Each point shows who reports it, from Far Left to Far Right.

  1. Tom Cruise plays oil tycoon Digger Rockwell in “Digger,” directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, opening October 2

    Reported byLeftCenterRight

  2. The film is a satire about an oil company causing a global ecological disaster

    Reported byLeftCenterRight

  3. Critics are divided; Rotten Tomatoes shows an evenly split 52 percent rating

    Reported byCenterRight

  4. Box office tracking has fallen from around $30 million to as low as $8 million to $12 million for opening weekend

    Reported byRight

  5. The film reportedly cost $135 million or more to produce

    Reported byRight

Show 2 more pointsShow fewer points

  1. Warner Bros. released a promotional video highlighting conflicting reviews with the tagline “Decide for yourself,” featuring Cruise’s character shouting “F--- those people!”

    Reported byLeftRight

  2. The film had been considered a possible Oscar contender for Cruise before reviews emerged

    Reported byLeftRight

What is contested

Where accounts differ

Points the coverage does not agree on, and who says what.

  • Whether “Digger” is a good or bad film

    New York Post, TIME and parts of Breitbart’s coverage describe it as poorly made or unfunny, citing harsh reviews; Breitbart notes other outlets like the London Evening Standard called it “audacious, risky, terrific fun,” and France 24 presents critics as simply divided rather than taking a position.

  • Whether the film functions as political or environmental propaganda

    Breitbart's opinion piece characterizes the film as “Global Warming Propaganda” attacking oil use; other outlets, including center and left coverage, describe it neutrally as a satire about an oil company and ecological disaster without attributing ideological intent.

  • Expected box office performance

    New York Post cites tracking of $8 million to $12 million, down from earlier estimates of $20–30 million; The Washington Times cites a slightly higher range of $12 million to $15 million.

How each side tells it

Compare views

  • the left

    1 outlet · 1 opinion

    Left-side outlets frame the film primarily as a critical disappointment or career misstep for Cruise, with one outlet also covering his public response to the backlash.

    Tom Cruise Drops F-Bomb on Critics Who Hate His New Movie
    The Daily BeastFar LeftAll left-leaning headlines

  • the center

    1 outlet

    The single center outlet frames the story as part of broader festival and cinema coverage, noting critics are divided without taking a strong stance.

    Tom Cruise's 'Digger' divides critics as Zurich Film Festival stars steal the spotlight
    France 24CenterAll center headlines

  • the right

    3 outlets

    Most right-side outlets emphasize harsh reviews and poor box office prospects, while the two Breitbart pieces additionally frame the film as ideological climate propaganda, a framing not found in the other right-leaning coverage.

    Climate-disaster satire 'Digger' faces a Loaded modifier“chilly box office opening”Uses a figurative, judgment-tinged phrase instead of stating the projected low earnings plainly.More neutral: low projected box office openingDisagree with this highlight? as Tom Cruise Loaded verb“gambles on WB”Frames Cruise's project choice as a risky gamble, a characterization beyond stating the facts.More neutral: stars in new Warner Bros. releaseDisagree with this highlight?
    The Washington TimesRightAll right-leaning headlines

The words they chose

Language to notice

Words that carry a judgement beyond the facts. Tap a highlighted word anywhere on the page to see why.

  • Left6

    Loses the PlotDesperate Bid for Oscar GloryBloviates His Way ThroughAggressively Unfunny

  • Center0

    No loaded words in its own voice.

  • Right12

    real stinkerlaugh-free turdstampeding outCuts Big Movie Star Tom Cruise Back Down to Size

In the outlets’ own words

  • Loaded modifier

    Loses the PlotMore neutral: Takes a Different Approach

    Presents a subjective judgment that the film is incoherent as if it were settled fact.

    Tom Cruise Loses the Plot in Desperate Bid for Oscar Glory

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Desperate Bid for Oscar GloryMore neutral: Bid for an Oscar Nomination

    Characterizes Cruise's motives as desperate without evidence, adding dramatic judgment.

    Tom Cruise Loses the Plot in Desperate Bid for Oscar Glory

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    real stinkerMore neutral: poorly reviewed film

    A dismissive label presented as fact rather than opinion.

    Tom Cruise’s latest film, “Digger” — the actor’s first real stinker in nearly 10 years — really is a rage-inducing sit.

    Used byNew York Post (Right)

  • Loaded modifier

    laugh-free turdMore neutral: unfunny misfire

    Uses a vulgar insult to characterize the film rather than a neutral description of quality.

    ‘Digger’ review: Tom Cruise’s laugh-free turd will have audiences stampeding out

    Used byNew York Post (Right)

Show 14 more phrasesShow fewer

  • Sensational language

    stampeding outMore neutral: leaving early

    Exaggerates audience reaction for dramatic effect.

    ‘Digger’ review: Tom Cruise’s laugh-free turd will have audiences stampeding out

    Used byNew York Post (Right)

  • Loaded verb

    Bloviates His Way ThroughMore neutral: Delivers Lengthy Dialogue In

    Characterizes Cruise's performance with a judgmental verb implying empty, pompous speech.

    Tom Cruise Bloviates His Way Through the Aggressively Unfunny Digger

    Used byTIME (Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    Aggressively UnfunnyMore neutral: Unfunny

    Presents a subjective quality judgment as a definitive descriptor.

    Tom Cruise Bloviates His Way Through the Aggressively Unfunny Digger

    Used byTIME (Left)

  • Loaded verb

    Cuts Big Movie Star Tom Cruise Back Down to SizeMore neutral: Reframes Tom Cruise's Star Persona

    Frames the film's effect on Cruise's star image with a judgmental metaphor rather than neutral description.

    How It Cuts Big Movie Star Tom Cruise Back Down to Size

    Used byNew York Post (Right)

  • Loaded verb

    savaged the filmMore neutral: criticized the film harshly

    Describes critical reviews with a dramatic, judgment-laden verb.

    …to open as low as $8 million to $12 million this weekend, while reviewers have savaged the film and pundits quietly removed it from their Oscar prediction lists.

    Used byNew York Post (Right)

  • Loaded modifier

    disastrousMore neutral: low-performing

    Characterizes the film's prospects with a dramatic judgment rather than citing the figures alone.

    Tom Cruise’s disastrous ‘Digger’ could make as little as $8M to $12M in terrible opening weekend

    Used byNew York Post (Right)

  • Loaded modifier

    terrible opening weekendMore neutral: weak opening weekend

    Passes judgment on the projected box office rather than stating the figures neutrally.

    Tom Cruise’s disastrous ‘Digger’ could make as little as $8M to $12M in terrible opening weekend

    Used byNew York Post (Right)

  • Loaded modifier

    chilly box office openingMore neutral: low projected box office opening

    Uses a figurative, judgment-tinged phrase instead of stating the projected low earnings plainly.

    Climate-disaster satire 'Digger' faces a chilly box office opening as Tom Cruise gambles on WB

    Used byThe Washington Times (Right)

  • Loaded verb

    gambles on WBMore neutral: stars in new Warner Bros. release

    Frames Cruise's project choice as a risky gamble, a characterization beyond stating the facts.

    Climate-disaster satire 'Digger' faces a chilly box office opening as Tom Cruise gambles on WB

    Used byThe Washington Times (Right)

  • Loaded modifier

    shrill, unsubtle, 129-minute attack on those of us who dare to use oilMore neutral: a critical portrayal of the oil industry

    Characterizes the film's message as a personal attack using emotionally charged language rather than neutral description.

    Tom Cruise’s Digger is a shrill, unsubtle, 129-minute attack on those of us who dare to use oil to better our lives.

    Used byBreitbart News (Far Right)

  • Delegitimizing label

    only hire communistsMore neutral: left-leaning critics

    Dismisses a publication's critics as having an illegitimate political identity rather than addressing their arguments.

    RogerEbert.com appears to only hire communists, and here’s how one of them described it: “Digger” is devoid of substance.

    Used byBreitbart News (Far Right)

  • Partisan shorthand

    Global Warming PropagandaMore neutral: Climate Change Satire

    Labels the film's content as propaganda, a loaded political characterization rather than a neutral description of its theme.

    Nolte: Tom Cruise’s Global Warming Propaganda ‘Digger’ About to Lose $100+ Million

    Used byBreitbart News (Far Right)

  • Loaded verb

    biting backMore neutral: responding

    Frames Cruise's promotional response as combative rather than describing it neutrally.

    Tom Cruise is biting back after critics dubbed his Oscar-bait movie Digger “desperate.” The star appears in a…

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    Oscar-bait movieMore neutral: Oscar-contender movie

    Implies the film was made cynically to win awards rather than on its merits.

    Tom Cruise is biting back after critics dubbed his Oscar-bait movie Digger “desperate.” The star appears in a new teaser Warner Bros.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

Words quoted from someone else (1)Hide the quoted words

Loaded words that outlets reported someone else saying. They show what was said, not how the outlet chose to say it.

  • Sensational language

    Quoted

    worst movie of Tom Cruise’s careerMore neutral: a critically panned film

    A sweeping superlative judgment presented prominently, though attributed to a quoted critic.

    …and others trashing it as complete misfire that might be the "the worst movie of Tom Cruise’s career."

    Quoted byBreitbart News (Far Right)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

See the full language guide

See for yourself

Side by side

What each side leads with and what it leaves out. Open a side to read its headlines.

From the left

1 outlet · 1 opinion

Leads with

  • negative critical assessment of the film
  • Cruise's career trajectory and Oscar ambitions
  • marketing response to divided reviews

Leaves out

  • box office tracking figures
  • production budget

Reported by other sides, not found in this side’s coverage.

See the 2 headlines from the leftHide the headlines
  • The Daily BeastFar Left

    Tom Cruise Drops F-Bomb on Critics Who Hate His New Movie

    Tom Cruise is Loaded verb“biting back”Frames Cruise's promotional response as combative rather than describing it neutrally.More neutral: respondingDisagree with this highlight? after critics dubbed his Loaded modifier“Oscar-bait movie”Implies the film was made cynically to win awards rather than on its merits.More neutral: Oscar-contender movieDisagree with this highlight? Digger “desperate.” The star appears in a new teaser Warner Bros. released Wednesday, where he screams—in character—“F--- those people!” Text laid over clips from the film pastes conflicting takes on early …

    Read at The Daily Beast (opens in a new tab)
    1 more from The Daily Beast
  • TIMELeftOpinion

    Tom Cruise Loaded verb“Bloviates His Way Through”Characterizes Cruise's performance with a judgmental verb implying empty, pompous speech.More neutral: Delivers Lengthy Dialogue InDisagree with this highlight? the Loaded modifier“Aggressively Unfunny”Presents a subjective quality judgment as a definitive descriptor.More neutral: UnfunnyDisagree with this highlight? Digger

    Alejandro G. Iñárritu's latest film has a million moving parks and nothing to say

    Read at TIME (opens in a new tab)

From the center

1 outlet

Leads with

  • critics divided on the film
  • broader context of festival films and releases
  • possible Oscar nomination

Leaves out

  • box office tracking figures
  • specific review content

Reported by other sides, not found in this side’s coverage.

See the headline from the centerHide the headlines
  • France 24Center

    Tom Cruise's 'Digger' divides critics as Zurich Film Festival stars steal the spotlight

    This week on arts24's film show, an unrecognisable Tom Cruise takes a career gamble in "Digger", Alejandro González Iñárritu’s new satire, in which he plays an oil billionaire whose company initiates a world-ending ecological disaster. …

    Read at France 24 (opens in a new tab)

From the right

3 outlets

Leads with

  • negative reviews and box office decline
  • the film's climate-change messaging as propaganda (Breitbart)
  • financial stakes for Warner Bros. amid Paramount merger

Leaves out

  • Warner Bros.'s promotional response campaign
  • positive reviews calling the film bold or ambitious

Reported by other sides, not found in this side’s coverage.

See the 3 headlines from the rightHide the headlines

Articles you open from here build My Mix, a private picture of how your reading spreads across the spectrum, kept on this device. What is My Mix?

The left is Far Left and Left together. The right is Right and Far Right together. Every outlet keeps its own five-point rating.

Who reported it when

How the coverage built up

  • Left

    5 hr 13 min later

    Its first report, Sep 30, 2:57 PM EDT

  • Center

    1 hr later

    Its first report, Sep 30, 10:47 AM EDT

  • Right

    First to report

    New York Post, Sep 30, 9:45 AM EDT

See the order the outlets reported inHide the order
  1. New York PostRightSep 30, 9:45 AM EDT
  2. Breitbart NewsFar RightSep 30, 10:16 AM EDT
  3. France 24CenterSep 30, 10:47 AM EDT
  4. The Washington TimesRightSep 30, 1:24 PM EDT
  5. The Daily BeastFar LeftSep 30, 2:57 PM EDT

Times are the ones the outlets published in their own feeds, in Eastern time. Opinion is left out.

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