Director Emerald Fennell and Actor Barry Keoghan Discuss the Importance of the Naked Dance Scene in “Saltburn” and its Symbolic Meaning
In the final moments of Emerald Fennell’s film “Saltburn,” a captivating and controversial scene unfolds. Barry Keoghan’s character, Oliver, dances naked through a grand estate house while Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s iconic song, “Murder on the Dancefloor,” blares in the background. This climactic scene serves as a moment of jubilation for Oliver and symbolizes his reclaiming of power. Director Emerald Fennell and actor Barry Keoghan shed light on the significance of this scene and the meticulous process behind its creation.
Capturing the Essence of Ownership
Cinematographer Linus Sandgren explains that the naked dance scene is about Oliver feeling a sense of ownership over the estate. Fennell used 11 takes to capture the right essence from Keoghan, with take #7 being technically perfect but lacking the human messiness that defined Oliver’s character. Keoghan humorously recalls how people wanted to keep seeing him dance, even though they had already captured the perfect take.
The World of the Upper Class
“Saltburn” immerses audiences in the world of the British upper class, specifically the Catton family. Elspeth, Sir James, Venetia, and Felix Catton live a life of luxury, complete with cufflinks, champagne, and songs written about them. Oliver, a less privileged individual, becomes a target for their amusement and humiliation. Scenes like his karaoke performance to “Rent” by the Pet Shop Boys highlight his outsider status.
A Twist in the Tale
However, “Saltburn” takes a dark turn when Oliver’s true nature is revealed. Felix, played by Jacob Elordi, discovers that Oliver has been lying about his background, leading to a tragic series of events. Oliver kills each member of the Catton family, turning the narrative into a family tragedy. This shocking twist adds another layer of complexity to the film.
The Need for Jubilation
Director Emerald Fennell emphasizes the importance of the naked dance scene as a moment of jubilation for Oliver. She wanted the audience to be on his side and feel complicit in his actions. The scene had to capture a sense of euphoric madness, both for Oliver and the viewers. Fennell wanted to evoke the feeling of “Why the fuck not?” and explore the limits of our complicity in the face of exhilaration.
The Collaborative Effort
Creating the naked dance scene required a collaborative effort. Choreographer Polly Bennett worked closely with Keoghan to perfect his moves, ensuring he felt comfortable in his performance. Fennell also highlights the technical aspects, such as setting up the speakers to eliminate any lag and maintaining a sense of otherworldly fantasy. The scene was shot on a closed set, with only a select few allowed to watch the monitors.
Symbolism and Camera Movements
Cinematographer Linus Sandgren explains that Oliver is always in frame throughout most of the film, but the naked dance scene showcases him in a full-figured manner. This decision was intentional, as it allows the audience to fully observe Oliver’s physicality and emotions in that moment. The scene also serves as an inverse of the tour Felix gives Oliver upon his arrival, marking Oliver’s claim over the estate and his newfound freedom.
Conclusion:
The naked dance scene in “Saltburn” stands as a pivotal moment in the film, symbolizing Oliver’s reclamation of power and the limits of our complicity as viewers. Director Emerald Fennell and actor Barry Keoghan’s collaboration brought this scene to life, capturing the essence of jubilation and madness. Through meticulous choreography and technical precision, the scene serves as a powerful climax, leaving audiences in awe and contemplation.
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