Fennell Unveils "Saltburn", a British Upper Class Journey, at Academy Museum

Emerald Fennell, director of the acclaimed film "Promising Young Woman," introduced her new film, "Saltburn," at a post-screening Q&A session at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles on Tuesday night. While Fennell stated the film might have felt like it belonged in Hollywood, its setting was starkly different. This latest cinematic offering from Fennell explores the labyrinthine world of the British upper classes, using the character arc of Oxford University student, Oliver (played by Barry Keoghan), as the narrative backbone.

The film tracks Oliver's journey, captivated and unsettled by the eccentricities of the upper class, through his relationship with Felix (played by Jacob Elordi), an aristocratic figure he befriends during his study at Oxford. Oliver's exploratory journey extends to Felix's family and their opulent estate, engulfing him as an anomaly yet a keen observer of this intricate world. The audience meets Felix’s parents (Rosamund Pike and Richard E. Grant), his sarcastic cousin (Archie Madekwe), and unpredictable sister (Alison Oliver). Notably, the film also includes a minor role for Carey Mulligan, who previously starred in "Promising Young Woman."

Fennell commented that Oliver's struggle with fitting in despite his academic achievements reflected a universal experience, perhaps more prevalent in our current society. As per the director, Oliver's pursuit of an identity, and the subsequent disenchantment when his expectations are unmet, serve as a focal point of the narrative. The film set in the early 2000s, pays particular attention to the fashion trends of the British privileged youth during this time.

Fennell jokingly refers to "Saltburn" as a "vampire film," implying the theme of unchecked desire that leads to the devouring of what one yearns for, reminiscent of the suave, enviable but dangerously predatory nature of vampires. Drawing a parallel with the artistic style of painter Caravaggio, Fennell stressed the prioritization of visual appeal due to the film's central focus on fetishized beauty.

However, when it came to discussing her script writing, Fennell refrained due to the ongoing writer's strike but showed her support for the Writers Guild of America, striking a chord with the audience. The release date for "Saltburn" is set for November 24th in U.S. theaters.

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With Fennell's sophomore directorial venture, it seems the lady doth promise much. If "Saltburn" is half as spellbinding and conversation-starting as its predecessor, "Promising Young Woman," we're in for a riveting spectacle of socio-cultural examination, wrapped in sumptuously fashionable 2000s-era packaging.

The intriguing exploration of the British upper class coupled with the leading characters’ struggle to belong, is a narrative platter that's typically British, yet with Fennell's unique flair, translatable to a global audience. The fixation with identity resonates in the era of social media and shifting societal norms, thereby repackaging the classic outsider tale with clever modern nuances.

Fennell's noteworthy reference to the film being a "vampire movie" - well, that's just the blood-red cherry on top, isn't it? The comparison provides a darker edge to the otherwise luscious elite lifestyle, essentially sending out a 'buyer beware' message to those longing for a slice of it.

Fashion too, appears to play a significant character in the film, almost becoming a timestamp for the narrative. The struggle to fit in isn't just a battle of mindsets and social norms, but also a war of polo shirts, bad extensions, and an overabundance of accessories. Isn't that just so poignantly 2000s?

Lastly, Fennell's support for the ongoing writer's strike paints her not just as a filmmaker, but also a supportive cohort, a crucial role in a rocky time for Hollywood. Cue the applause, and clear your calendar for November 24th. After all, we do love watching the elite on-screen, perhaps just to wonder... are they not wearing too many polo shirts?