Saltburn: 10 films that influenced him

Baroque, dirty and bad. Saltburn it is the most viral film on social media. Top title of Prime Video (where it landed last December 22nd), the perverse anti-Christmas thriller by Emerald Fennell has already become a cult for Gen Z, now, obsessed with cool kids of the noughties. First of all, the two sexy protagonists Jacob Elordi and Barry Keoghansupported by an exceptional cast such as Rosamund Pike, Alison Oliver and, in a “to-die-for” cameo, Carey Mulligan. Layered film, Saltburn is the descendant parable of an eccentric British aristocratic family. Like his acclaimed debut, the film begins as a black comedy and ends as a psychological mystery. Saltburn tells the story of Oliver Quick (Keoghan). Student of humble origins who tries, with difficulty, to make his way in the elite Oxford. Everything changes when he enters the circle of the rich and popular Felix Catton (Elordi) who invites him to spend the summer in Saltburn: the ancient family mansion where we will see all sorts of things (those who have seen it know what I'm talking about).

Anachronisms and Easter eggs aside, the film has shown that it requires multiple viewings to capture its influences. Our autopsy of the headline of the moment. Mind you, we won't limit ourselves to mentioning the inflated ones Twilight, Harry Potter (but also The talent of Mr. Ripley, Call me by your name, Cruel Intention…). Here you are, 10 (unsuspected) cinema classics that have influenced Saltburn.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Ollie's birthday party in Saltburn is aesthetically themed and takes inspiration from William Shakespeare's famous play, adapted for film by Michael Hoffman in 1999. The deer antlers he wears are a reference to the boy in the play, before the his darkest side transforms him into the Minotaur. But Keoghan's horns are also a reference to his previous villain; Martin Lang ne The sacrifice of the sacred deer directed by Yorgos Lanthimos.

The Mask of the Red Death (1964)

With its vivid palette, Roger Corman's adaptation of Poe's novel (with a focus on the revelatory ball scene) influenced Oliver's party.

Person (1966)

In a scene of Saltburn a doppelganger of Felix appears. The symbolism of the mirror and the theme of the double refers to Ingmar Bergman's psychological masterpiece.

Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)

Saltburn has a gothic horror subtext with vampire wibes. The character of Venetia (Alison Olivier), all blood and sex, recalls for example Lucy Westenra in Dracula by Coppola.

The Shining (1980)

…there is no shortage of references to Kubrick's labyrinth.

Clockwork Orange (1971)

Outrageous, bold and disturbingly sexy. To the point that Kubrick decided to self-ban it in a moment of madness. There are those who see a parallel in drugs with the snobbish Cattons.

Wuthering Heights (1992)

The infamous tomb scene is inspired by Emily Bronte's novel in which Heathcliff digs to reach his beloved Cathy. Among the best-known adaptations, the 1992 one starring Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

Ollie and Farleigh as Frank-N-Furter and Brad Majors, in the scandalous bedroom scene. A clear homage to the most cult musical of all time (as demonstrated by the two photos compared).

Psycho (1960)

Emerald Fennell told Slash Film that Oliver is inspired by Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) in the Hitch classic. To transform from victim to executioner, Barry Keoghan created and played 5 different versions of his character.

Hammer Film Productions

The opening font is influenced by that of Hammer. The British production company specializing in gothic horror which experienced its golden age from the 1950s to the 1970s.

Bonus: Naked dancing

A number, yes, compared to Prime Minister Hugh Grant's equally iconic ballet in Love Actually. Although, in some ways, it refers to Buffalo Bill's disturbing dance The Silence of the Lambs. Choreographed by Polly Bennett, Keoghan's naked dance has been filmed 11 times.