THE BIG PICTURE
Oscar-winning director Emerald Fennell shares the cinematic influences that shaped her upcoming film, Saltburn, a deep dive into the world of class dynamics and opulence. Fennell’s film choices, which include ‘The Servant’ and ‘The Handmaiden,’ showcase exquisite cinematography, erotic themes, and intricate power dynamics between different social classes. Saltburn promises to be a genre-blending experience, combining elements of dark comedy, psychological thriller, and the timeless narrative of challenging the rich and powerful. With a stellar ensemble cast and early acclaim at film festivals, it’s one of the most anticipated releases of the year.
Emerald Fennell, the Oscar-winning director, is set to transport audiences into a realm of luxury and decadence with her upcoming film, Saltburn. But before this Barry Keoghan-led spectacle graces the theaters on November 17, she has partnered with Alamo Drafthouse to unveil the movies that have profoundly influenced her “eat-the-rich” narrative. FilmSweep is thrilled to bring you the latest installment of the theater chain’s “Guest Selects” series, featuring Fennell as she delves into her five chosen films and how they left an indelible mark on Saltburn’s core.
Fennell’s first pick for her list is the 1963 British drama ‘The Servant,’ directed by Joseph Losey and Harold Pinter. Much like Saltburn, this film explores class dynamics by focusing on a wealthy aristocrat entangled in a power struggle with his seemingly perfect manservant, who gradually turns the tables and disrupts his orderly estate. With its “exquisite” cinematography and sensuous themes, ‘The Servant’ serves as a crucial piece of Fennell’s cinematic puzzle for her latest creation, which also employs unique visual styles and camera work to craft a distinctive aesthetic.
Park Chan-Wook’s 2016 masterpiece, ‘The Handmaiden,’ holds a prominent spot on her list as a beautifully shot erotic thriller that delves into power dynamics between different social classes. The intricate tale of a Korean con artist scheming to seduce and steal a Japanese woman’s inheritance with the assistance of an illiterate pickpocket is a personal favorite of Fennell’s.
Her next choice, Robert Hamer’s 1949 black comedy ‘Kind Hearts and Coronets,’ offers a more satirical perspective by toying with reality. The film follows an aristocrat who methodically eliminates his way to his family’s fortune, with each of his victims portrayed by the same actor, Alec Guinness. Fennell appreciates it not only for its portrayal of a morally questionable wealthy family but also for its status as a wish-fulfillment story.
Continuing the theme of satire, her fourth selection is Roger Kumble’s ‘Cruel Intentions,’ a romantic drama inspired by the classic ‘Dangerous Liaisons.’ Fennell was drawn to the film’s inherent sensuality and intelligence, as well as its satirical take on the private lives of the upper class, which directly aligns with her upcoming drama.
Completing the lineup is Sofia Coppola’s ‘The Bling Ring,’ a 2013 film based on true events about fame-obsessed teenagers robbing the rich and famous. Fennell was captivated by the film’s sharp humor and skillful adaptation of recent events, along with a standout performance by Emma Watson.
What Can Audiences Expect from ‘Saltburn’?
Image via MGM
Saltburn aims to meld the elements of these films and more into a darkly comedic psychological thriller centered around Barry Keoghan’s character, Oliver Quick. As a misfit at the elite Oxford University due to his social status, he is quickly drawn into the enchanting world of Felix Catton, portrayed by Jacob Elordi. While spending an unforgettable summer at the Catton family’s dream-like Gothic estate, he finds himself immersed in a world he’s never known, surrounded by Felix’s eccentric family, including Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, Allison Oliver, and Archie Madekwe.
Among film festival-goers, Fennell’s latest creation is already generating considerable buzz, boasting an impressive 81% score on Rotten Tomatoes. FilmSweep’s Emma Kiely awarded the film a solid B in her review, commending the outstanding ensemble cast while noting that it doesn’t reinvent the wheel when it comes to the “eat-the-rich” narrative.
Alamo Drafthouse is offering a unique opportunity for the public to gain insight into Fennell’s creative process by screening two of her “Guest Selects” films, ‘The Servant’ and ‘The Bling Ring,’ on the same day Saltburn premieres in theaters across the U.S. These films will be showcased in select Alamo Drafthouse locations, including South Lamar (Austin), Seaport (Boston), Downtown Los Angeles (LA), and Lower Manhattan (NYC). Additionally, ‘The Servant’ will be available in Wrigleyville (Chicago), Sloan Lake (Denver), Raleigh (North Carolina), and New Mission (San Francisco).
For a comprehensive guide to ‘Saltburn,’ detailing everything you need to know about Fennell’s latest creation, check out our full article. And don’t miss the exclusive Guest Selects video below:
Saltburn
Struggling to find his place at Oxford University, student Oliver Quick finds himself drawn into the world of the charming and aristocratic Felix Catton, who invites him to Saltburn, his eccentric family’s sprawling estate, for a summer never to be forgotten.
Release Date
November 17, 2023
Director
Emerald Fennell
Cast
Rosamund Pike, Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Carey Mulligan, Archie Madekwe
Runtime
127 minutes
Main Genre
Drama
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Film Inspirations
What is ‘Saltburn’ and who is Emerald Fennell?
‘Saltburn’ is an upcoming film directed by Oscar-winning director Emerald Fennell. It’s a darkly comedic psychological thriller that explores class dynamics and opulence. Emerald Fennell is a renowned filmmaker known for her Oscar-winning work and is the creative mind behind ‘Saltburn.’
How did these films inspire ‘Saltburn’?
The films mentioned, such as ‘The Servant’ and ‘The Handmaiden,’ provided inspiration for ‘Saltburn’ by showcasing elements like exquisite shots, erotic themes, and power dynamics between different social classes. They served as creative touchstones that influenced the film’s aesthetics and storytelling.
What is the genre of ‘Saltburn’?
‘Saltburn’ combines elements of dark comedy, psychological thriller, and the “eat-the-rich” narrative, creating a unique blend of genres that promises an engaging and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
Who are the key cast members of ‘Saltburn’?
The film features a stellar ensemble cast, including Rosamund Pike, Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Carey Mulligan, and Archie Madekwe, who bring their talents to bring the characters and story to life.
Where can I watch ‘Saltburn’ and Emerald Fennell’s selected films?
You can catch ‘Saltburn’ in theaters starting on November 17, 2023. Additionally, Alamo Drafthouse is offering screenings of two of Emerald Fennell’s selected films, ‘The Servant’ and ‘The Bling Ring,’ in select locations across the U.S. on the same day as ‘Saltburn’s’ premiere.
What is the early buzz surrounding ‘Saltburn’?
‘Saltburn’ has been generating significant buzz among film festival audiences, with an impressive 81% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviews have praised the stellar ensemble cast while noting that the film offers a fresh take on the “eat-the-rich” narrative.
Where can I find more information about ‘Saltburn’?
For a comprehensive guide to ‘Saltburn,’ including details about the film’s plot, cast, and creative process, you can refer to the full article on FilmSweep.
More about Film Inspirations
- Saltburn on Rotten Tomatoes
- Emerald Fennell’s Filmography
- Alamo Drafthouse Official Website
- [Full Article on ‘Saltburn’ on FilmSweep](insert URL here)
1 comment
Alamo Drafthouse always doin cool stuff. saltburn’s cast lit! gonna watch fo sho!