In the world of cinema, endings can sometimes be the most memorable part of a film. They have the power to leave a lasting impression, spark debate, or even redefine the entire narrative. One such film that has sparked intrigue and curiosity with its triumphant ending is Emerald Fennell’s “Saltburn.” Barry Keoghan, the actor at the center of this bold sequence, recently shared the evolution of how it came to be. In this article, we will delve into the behind-the-scenes details and explore the journey that led to Keoghan’s unforgettable naked waltz through Saltburn.
Departing from Runny Eggs: A Callback That Didn’t Make the Cut
Initially, the ending of “Saltburn” was set to feature Keoghan’s character, Oliver, on his way to breakfast where he would be served runny eggs by the butler. This scene would have served as a callback to an earlier moment in the film. However, as the creative process unfolded, Fennell and her team realized that a simple breakfast scene lacked the impact they were aiming for.
In an interview with EW, Fennell expressed her desire to create a more powerful and memorable ending. She wanted an ending that would make the audience simultaneously repulsed and yet still rooting for Oliver, reflecting the complex dance with the devil that takes place throughout the film. This realization led to a crucial decision to deviate from the original plan and explore new possibilities.
The final scene of “Saltburn” now features Keoghan’s Oliver dancing freely through the manor, completely naked, while Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s infectious track, “Murder on the Dance Floor,” plays. When presented with this daring concept, Keoghan embraced the challenge without hesitation. The actor recognized that this unexpected and audacious ending perfectly symbolized Oliver’s ownership and confidence. It was his way of proclaiming, “This is my place. I can do what I want in this manor.”
Despite his initial reservations about being nude on screen, Keoghan quickly overcame his concerns. The comfortable environment created by the cast and crew gave him the freedom to fully immerse himself in the story. The vulnerability and liberation of the character took center stage, overshadowing any personal inhibitions he may have had.
To capture the essence of Oliver’s devilish joy, Fennell meticulously shot the scene eleven times. By the seventh take, the technical aspects were flawless, but something crucial was missing—a specific quality that Fennell had envisioned. This is where Keoghan’s unwavering commitment and dedication shone through.
Barry Keoghan didn’t settle for merely getting it right; he wanted to achieve that impossible-to-resist evil joie de vivre that Fennell desired. As a testament to his professionalism and pursuit of perfection, Keoghan willingly went through four more takes, each time infusing more of that devilish joy into his performance. The final take is the one that ultimately made it to the screen, capturing Oliver’s uncontainable exuberance and leaving an indelible mark on viewers.
A Cinematic Ending to Remember
The evolution of the triumphant ending in “Saltburn” showcases the power of collaboration and artistic exploration. By departing from the initial plan of runny eggs to embrace a bold and audacious concept, Emerald Fennell and Barry Keoghan succeeded in creating a finale that resonates deeply with audiences.
The naked waltz scene not only symbolizes Oliver’s confident ownership but also challenges societal conventions and expectations. Through Keoghan’s committed performance and Fennell’s careful direction, the scene encapsulates the raw vulnerability and liberation of the character. It’s a daring and memorable ending that solidifies “Saltburn” as a film worth watching, discussing, and admiring for its audacity and artistic vision.
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