Why Emerald Fennell Was Inspired to Make ‘Saltburn’

Why Actress Emerald Fennell Said Yes To ‘Saltburn’ by the Image of Someone Licking a Bathtub

Emerald Fennell’s film Saltburn is a playful psychological thriller that offers a fresh twist on the traditional English country-house drama. It’s a film about the complexities of desire, beauty, and the uncomfortable realities lurking beneath seemingly perfect surfaces. For Fennell, the spark for this unique film came from a vivid, almost surreal image: someone licking a bathtub. This seemingly odd visual ignited the creative journey that ultimately became Saltburn. Let’s dive into the behind-the-scenes world of this film, exploring its creative genesis, the characters, and Fennell’s deeper exploration of intense desire.

The Origins of Saltburn: An Odd Image of Desire

Every great story begins with a spark of inspiration, and for Emerald Fennell, the idea for Saltburn emerged from a striking visual. “A film idea usually starts with me as a flash of something visual,” Fennell shared in an interview. “This film started seven or eight years ago with an image of someone licking the bottom of the bathtub.”

At first glance, this may seem bizarre, but to Fennell, it perfectly encapsulated the concept of yearning for something unattainable. The act of licking a bathtub plughole symbolizes a longing for something that can never be fully possessed, reflecting the darker, more desperate side of desire. As Fennell explains, when immersed in intense longing, even an act like licking a bathtub doesn’t feel out of place.

This vision planted the seed for Saltburn, a story about Oliver Quick, a student at the University of Oxford, who becomes entangled in the alluring yet dangerous world of Felix Catton and his aristocratic family.

The Journey from Idea to Script

After that initial image, Fennell spent several years refining the concept for Saltburn in her mind before finally putting pen to paper. She notes that once the script was written, it barely required any redrafting. “By the time it gets to the page, it’s almost word-perfect for what’s been said in my head 1,000 times,” she explains. Fennell’s unique approach to scriptwriting allows the emotional honesty of the story to shine through, unimpeded by excessive rewrites. The raw, messy emotions of the characters and their flawed humanity remain intact.

The plot of Saltburn follows Oliver Quick (played by Barry Keoghan) as he struggles to fit in at Oxford. After befriending Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi), Oliver is invited to the Catton family estate, Saltburn. There, he spends an unforgettable summer with Felix’s eccentric and glamorous family, including his mother Elspeth (Rosamund Pike), father Sir James (Richard E. Grant), and others. Throughout the story, Fennell explores the tensions between appearance and reality, desire and disappointment, offering a poignant commentary on the unattainable ideal of perfection.

Exploring the Dark Side of Desire

The central theme of Saltburn revolves around the concept of desire—specifically, the way we chase after something we can’t have. Desire is often portrayed as glamorous, seductive, and thrilling, but Fennell’s approach in this film delves deeper into its darker, more sinister side. She points out that when someone is consumed by desire, it can cloud their judgment and lead to actions that seem irrational or dangerous.

Oliver’s character, who spends much of the film in pursuit of something elusive, epitomizes this struggle. Fennell reveals that the key to understanding Oliver is his inability to define what he wants. He knows what he doesn’t like, what he isn’t, but he has yet to figure out who he truly is. His journey is one of searching for a sense of belonging and meaning, but it is also a futile pursuit, as the film’s twists reveal.

The Intriguing Character of Oliver Quick

Oliver Quick is an enigmatic character, and Fennell intentionally designed him to be difficult to understand. His journey through Saltburn is both compelling and unsettling. He is a character that has not yet figured out who he is, but has an uncanny ability to read other people’s desires and fulfill them. In Fennell’s words, “He’s kind of a negative. He’s somebody who hadn’t defined himself yet.”

The choice to cast Barry Keoghan as Oliver was crucial. Fennell had been a fan of Keoghan’s work for years, long before his Oscar-nominated role in The Banshees of Inisherin. Keoghan’s ability to convey raw emotion and vulnerability was a perfect match for the role of Oliver, a character who is constantly searching for something intangible. His performance is marked by a sense of stillness and intensity that draws viewers into Oliver’s inner world.

A Dance of Desire: The Importance of Physicality

One of the most memorable moments in Saltburn is a pivotal dance sequence featuring Oliver. Fennell emphasizes the importance of movement and physicality in the film, particularly when it comes to conveying the character’s emotional journey. The dance, which is performed by Keoghan, is infused with a sense of raw energy and vulnerability. Fennell notes that Keoghan’s boxing background played a significant role in the choreography, as it added a layer of authenticity and precision to the movement.

“Barry is an absolutely exquisite dancer,” Fennell says. “He’s an incredibly gifted physical actor.” The dance serves as a metaphor for Oliver’s emotional turmoil—he is, in many ways, dancing around his desires and frustrations, never quite able to grasp what he truly wants.

The Cast and Their Roles: Perfectly Matched Performances

Fennell’s vision for Saltburn was clear from the start, and she assembled a cast that could bring the film’s complex characters to life. Keoghan’s portrayal of Oliver anchors the film, but the ensemble cast also plays a significant role in the story’s emotional depth. Jacob Elordi brings a sense of charm and wit to Felix Catton, while Rosamund Pike and Richard E. Grant portray his wealthy, aloof parents with perfect precision. The chemistry between the cast members is electric, as each actor understands the nuances of their character and their place within the larger narrative.

Fennell worked closely with casting director Kharmel Cochrane to ensure that each actor embodied their character perfectly. She notes that Jacob Elordi, in particular, was ideal for the role of Felix, a character who is both impossibly charming and deeply flawed. Elordi’s performance is a masterclass in balancing humor and darkness, and it brings an extra layer of complexity to the story.

Visual Style and Cinematic Influences

Fennell’s approach to Saltburn was also deeply influenced by her love for certain cinematic works. She cites films like The Dreamers, Stealing Beauty, and Atonement as major inspirations, noting that they all share a “hot summer vibe” that she wanted to capture in her own film. In addition, Fennell draws on classics like The Great Gatsby and Brideshead Revisited for their portrayal of familial dynamics and the tensions between desire and social expectations.

Visually, Fennell worked closely with director of photography Linus Sandgren to create a distinctive look for Saltburn. The film is shot through Oliver’s point of view, emphasizing his yearning for something unattainable. Fennell explains, “It’s always about the constant striving for perfection and the constant disappointment.” This visual approach reflects the core theme of the film—that beauty, when examined up close, is often disappointing and flawed.

Creating the Manor of Saltburn: The Perfect Setting

Finding the perfect location for the Catton family home was crucial to bringing the world of Saltburn to life. Fennell and her team searched for a manor house in England that had never been filmed before. After visiting several properties, they found the ideal location—a grand estate with a history dating back to the 1300s. The house’s stunning architecture, including a 17th-century spiral staircase and baroque facade, added to the film’s opulent yet haunting atmosphere.

Fennell also wanted the setting of Saltburn to feel like a place that could swallow its inhabitants whole. The sprawling, isolated estate becomes a character in its own right, a symbol of both privilege and the emptiness that lies beneath the surface.

The Importance of Party Scenes and Realism

One of the most ambitious scenes in Saltburn is the Midsummer Night’s Dream-themed birthday party, where nearly 280 extras were involved. Fennell was determined to avoid the overly polished, unrealistic depictions of parties often seen in films. She wanted the party to feel chaotic, raw, and authentic. To achieve this, Fennell curated a playlist of 2007 hits, including the infamous Crazy Frog song, to create the right energy on set.

“The costume department and hair and make-up just smashed it,” Fennell praises. The party scene serves as a perfect microcosm of the film’s larger themes—desire, perfection, and disillusionment.

The Future of Emerald Fennell: What’s Next?

After the success of Promising Young Woman and now Saltburn, Fennell has solidified her place as a bold and fearless filmmaker. She continues to work on new ideas, though she remains tight-lipped about what’s next. What is clear, however, is that Fennell’s unique vision and willingness to explore the darker side of human nature will continue to shape her work in the future.

Conclusion: The Lingering Impact of Saltburn

Saltburn is a film that sticks with you long after the credits roll. It’s a haunting exploration of desire, beauty, and the reality that lies beneath the surface. Through the lens of Oliver’s journey and the bizarre yet captivating image of the bathtub, Fennell crafts a narrative that is both thrilling and deeply unsettling. With its stunning visuals, compelling performances, and sharp commentary on the human condition, Saltburn cements Fennell’s status as one of the most exciting filmmakers working today.

Saltburn: Quick Facts

Release Date: Saltburn was released in theaters on October 20, 2023.
Director: Emerald Fennell
Writer: Emerald Fennell
Cast:
- Barry Keoghan as Oliver Quick
- Jacob Elordi as Felix Catton
- Rosamund Pike as Elspeth Catton
- Richard E. Grant as Sir James Catton
- Alison Oliver as Venetia
- Eros Vlahos as Felix’s friend
- Zoe Saldana (Cameo)
- Michael Cera (Cameo)
Genre: Psychological thriller, dark comedy
Box Office:
- Gross Worldwide: Approx. $42 million
- Budget: Around $15 million
Critical Reception: The film received positive reviews for its strong performances, particularly from Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi, and for its dark, twisted humor. Emerald Fennell’s direction was also widely praised.
Awards: While Saltburn had a successful theatrical run, it was considered a contender in various award seasons, particularly for acting and direction.

The film garnered a lot of attention for its blend of dark humor and suspense, and its exploration of complex themes related to desire, wealth, and identity.

FAQs

What inspired Emerald Fennell to create Saltburn?
- Fennell was inspired by a striking image of someone licking the bottom of a bathtub, which symbolized the pursuit of unattainable desires.
What is the significance of the bathtub scene in Saltburn?
- The bathtub scene represents a moment of intense desire, where the character’s longing for something unreachable becomes a central theme of the film.
Why did Fennell cast Barry Keoghan as Oliver Quick?
- Fennell was drawn to Keoghan’s vulnerability and emotional depth, which aligned perfectly with the character of Oliver, who is constantly searching for identity and belonging.
How does Saltburn explore the theme of desire?
- The film delves into the darker side of desire, showing how it can cloud judgment and lead to irrational or dangerous behavior. It highlights the struggle of pursuing something elusive and unattainable.
What are some of the visual influences for Saltburn?
- Fennell drew inspiration from films like The Dreamers, Stealing Beauty, and Atonement, focusing on themes of summer, youth, and the pursuit of perfection.