What does one say about a movie as controversial as Saltburn? It has alternately been called repulsive, divisive, brilliant, perverse and a horror movie. What it is, is a movie that is more or less a black comedy—an editorial on class warfare as well as a movie about obsession, rejection, evil and greed lightly cloaked in a shimmering gown of gorgeous cinematography. One thing is certain—every frame is carefully arranged for maximum effectiveness. In fact, the beauty of the film’s look, the surroundings and of its actors is really something of a mask for the ugliness of the story underneath.
Briefly, the story follows a shy middle class Oxford student, Oliver, as he develops an obsessive relationship with one of his wealthy classmates, Felix, and later with the boy’s family. The family lives in a castle called Saltburn and the young man is invited to stay for the summer with this family after the death of his father. Only problem is that things here are never what they seem it be on the surface.
The eccentric family includes Sir and Lady Catton, their son Felix and daughter Venetia; a cousin Farleigh also attends Oxford and lives with the Cattons full time as does an odd female friend of Lady Catton, Pamela.
Directed by Emerald Fennell it stars Barry Keoghan as Oliver Quick and Jacob Elordi as the object of his obsession Felix Catton, Richard Grant as Sir Catton, Rosamond Pike as Lady Catton, and Cary Mulligan as family friend Pamela.
So how, do you ask, does majolica have any connection to this beautiful, lurid tale? As you might expect the Saltburn estate is filled with antiques, one of which is described as a priceless majolica charger by the 15th century French ceramicist Bernard Palissy. The charger is only shown briefly from the side but the plate plays a part in the ultimate undoing of one of the residents of Saltburn.
To disclose any more would spoil the story for those who haven’t seen it but let me just say that the value of this rare plate, money and obsession in general are at the heart of much of the evil in this movie.
Aside from the disturbing nature of some aspects of the movie, full frontal nudity and adult situations make this story not exactly a family film.
The movie is streaming now on Amazon Prime. To view the trailer go here.
No comments:
Post a Comment