Emerald Fennell's "Saltburn" Debuts at Telluride, All Set for MGM Distribution
Emerald Fennell, the talented actress turned Academy Award-winning screenwriter for "Promising Young Woman," is back directing an unconventional British drama titled "Saltburn." Filmed against the uncanny backdrop of the class-ridden landscape of Great Britain, c.2006, the film has debuted at the Telluride Film Festival and is set for wider distribution by MGM.
"Saltburn" is centered around an intriguing young character, aptly named Oliver Quick, portrayed with resonating charm by Barry Keoghan, last seen in "The Banshees of Inisherin". Depicting a parentless teenager seeking to ascend the social class, Keoghan's Oliver manages to secure an entrance into prestigious Oxford University, largely through his sharp intellect and tenacity.
Fennell takes the time to intricately paint Oliver’s decidedly vivacious persona, placing him amidst a colorful ensemble cast, making her film rich in potential narratives. Oliver's summer plans take an exciting turn when he catches the eye of a wealthy peer, Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi), resulting in an invitation to stay at the affluent family’s sprawling country mansion.
Genre staples Richard E. Grant and Rosamund Pike portray Felix's parents, with Grant in the role of the welcoming Sir James Catton and Pike as the less receptive matriarch Elspeth. The film, however, takes a somewhat unexpected turn and diverges in tonality as Elspeth’s indifference and Grant's exaggerated performance alter the film's previously established ambiance.
An overly theatrical midsummer-night's-dream party scene disrupts the narrative balance and the viewer's connection with Oliver. Despite this, Keoghan’s remarkable range shines throughout, even when some of the other characters miss the mark. The other standout aspect of the film is Fennell’s creative enthusiasm and drive, which are omnipresent.
Moving on to the Addison Prentice Showbizz Highlight segment:
As if you've just chomped down on a sumptuous British scone only to realize it's chock full of American-style pop rock candies-- "Saltburn" takes your typical British class drama and tosses in a handful of homegrown flamboyance, for better or worse.
Emerald Fennell has certainly not shed her penchant to push boundaries, evidently seen in her impressive debut, "Promising Young Woman". For this time, it's a Dickensian socio-drama amped up with a side of Gatsby. This British 'tale of two classes' is as vibrant as it is familiar, much like your favorite cup of Earl Grey.
Barry Keoghan, our Oliver Twist-esque protagonist, reflects the viewers' journey as he navigates through the intricate, oscillating tones of the film. Arguably outshining his Dickensian namesake, Oliver Quick is fast to carve his captivating presence on screen. Following him through his upward trajectory from Oxford to the opulent settings of the Catton estate is akin to switching channels from your favorite BBC drama to an all-American reality show.
Then there's the Catton family - Sir James, played by Richard E. Grant, brings aboard a new degree of theatricality. An unexpected move perhaps, akin to adding whipped cream on top of an already frosted cake. Elordi remains the handsome overlay to this eccentric sundae while Pike, well, she plays it cool, like the cherry on top, appearing largely unaffected by the frolicking below her.
Overall, it seems Fennell envisaged a grand British dinner table and proceeded to heap it up with all things extravagant. While it makes for a delightful feast at times, at other instances, you might come across an odd concoction that has you puzzling over its fittingness. Yet, are we not all intrigued by a little eccentricity in our drama? And if layered with Fennell's creative flair that had us spellbound in "Promising Young Woman," this ecclesiastic feast promises to be an unforgettable experience.
A word of advice to Fennell, though: remember, pacing, tone, and Hollywood aren’t all like an all-you-can-eat buffet-- sometimes less really can be more.
