Legit did a fist pump when I saw the title of this post, have been waiting to hear from others about it. I see it more about new power consuming old power (vs eat the rich) and the complexities of how that new power arises.
But! The sunbathing scene had me particularly curious, knowing the audience for this would be younger, of the impact it might have on opening up exploration for a different generation. There's definitely an unapologetic showcasing of the body in this and other movies, which mimics celebrities in real life (Kardashians in particular come to mind). Yet as that cycle of mimicry goes from art to life, I am genuinely curious about what might start to emerge as a rebellious spirit.
I definitely see your “new power consuming old power” perspective, that’s a great way to put it! In that sense, it still might act as a fantasy but less subversive and more in service of still maintaining a certain kind of power. Or, the fantasy of youth rising up to usurp the reins from older generations. Interesting!
Also an interesting thought on the field scene... I haven’t seen much discussion about it online, I wonder if people even remember it after everything so much more shocking that happens in the film.
I’ve just finished watching Saltburn. I see all of your points, and the final nude dance scene is indeed glorious. I’m left with a lingering unease though, for several reasons and in several ways, over the clear presence here of the trope of the evil bisexual. Felix, Farleigh - perhaps they are vaguely bisexual, given their behaviors - but Oliver definitely would appear to be bi, given the range of sexual actions we see him engage in. But in the end, everything was for manipulative purposes - it feeds into several harmful stereotypes about us bi folk: insincere, opportunistic, deceitful, calculating. These character traits would correspond to a villain of any sexual orientation - it’s just that bi representation in popular media, though growing, is still rare. So it stings a bit.
In spite of that, I thought the film was very well done, and the actors were terrific.
Legit did a fist pump when I saw the title of this post, have been waiting to hear from others about it. I see it more about new power consuming old power (vs eat the rich) and the complexities of how that new power arises.
But! The sunbathing scene had me particularly curious, knowing the audience for this would be younger, of the impact it might have on opening up exploration for a different generation. There's definitely an unapologetic showcasing of the body in this and other movies, which mimics celebrities in real life (Kardashians in particular come to mind). Yet as that cycle of mimicry goes from art to life, I am genuinely curious about what might start to emerge as a rebellious spirit.
So many intriguing possibilities.
I definitely see your “new power consuming old power” perspective, that’s a great way to put it! In that sense, it still might act as a fantasy but less subversive and more in service of still maintaining a certain kind of power. Or, the fantasy of youth rising up to usurp the reins from older generations. Interesting!
Also an interesting thought on the field scene... I haven’t seen much discussion about it online, I wonder if people even remember it after everything so much more shocking that happens in the film.
MM- I had the same thought. Are we seeing a glimmer of acceptance/normalization of nudity in some of the movies and series coming out these days?
Gen Z has a rebellious spirit I adore.
Yay for dancing naked thru the halls!
I’ve just finished watching Saltburn. I see all of your points, and the final nude dance scene is indeed glorious. I’m left with a lingering unease though, for several reasons and in several ways, over the clear presence here of the trope of the evil bisexual. Felix, Farleigh - perhaps they are vaguely bisexual, given their behaviors - but Oliver definitely would appear to be bi, given the range of sexual actions we see him engage in. But in the end, everything was for manipulative purposes - it feeds into several harmful stereotypes about us bi folk: insincere, opportunistic, deceitful, calculating. These character traits would correspond to a villain of any sexual orientation - it’s just that bi representation in popular media, though growing, is still rare. So it stings a bit.
In spite of that, I thought the film was very well done, and the actors were terrific.