A Gothic Masterpiece by Emerald Fennell
Saltburn premiered at the 2023 Telluride Film Festival, instantly creating buzz. With Emerald Fennell at the helm, the film boasts standout performances from Barry Keoghan and Rosamund Pike, while the production design by Suzie Davies and the cinematography by Linus Sandgren add layers of depth.
Fennell's script for Saltburn is a masterclass in tonal shifts, blending humor, horror, and grotesque beauty. The film's story unfolds with a gothic elegance, drawing viewers into a world that is both eerily familiar and disturbingly unique. Fennell’s vision was clear from the start: a gothic vampire story that stays grounded in reality, avoiding the typical tropes and clichés of the genre.
Cinematographer Linus Sandgren, known for his work on La La Land and Babylon, was captivated by Fennell’s script, describing it as,
“funny, outrageous, and grotesque”
Appreciating the slow-building tension and the film’s ability to balance light and dark themes. Their collaboration resulted in a visually stunning film, heavily influenced by dramatic lighting reminiscent of Caravaggio’s paintings and the spooky atmosphere of silent films like Nosferatu.
One of the most striking choices was the decision to shoot in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio, a near-square frame that harks back to early cinema. This format, combined with the use of 35mm film, gave Saltburn a claustrophobic, voyeuristic feel, as if the audience is peering into a doll's house. The framing and lighting added layers of tension and intrigue, with Sandgren using Panavision Primos lenses to achieve a rich, luxurious look.
The film’s production design, by Suzie Davies, and the lighting were carefully planned to enhance this aesthetic. Sandgren and Fennell discussed using a mix of dramatic and natural lighting, inspired by works of artists like Artemisia Gentileschi and Gustave Doré. This approach helped create a visually rich environment that complemented the film’s dark, gothic themes.
Filming took place in the historic settings of Oxford and Drayton House, where the architecture and natural lighting played a crucial role in setting the film's eerie tone. Sandgren's use of LED lighting, combined with traditional tungsten lights, allowed for a dynamic range of lighting setups, from the warm, inviting interiors to the cold, stark exteriors.
Saltburn is a testament to the power of a strong directorial vision. Emerald Fennell's unique storytelling, combined with Linus Sandgren's cinematographic expertise, has created a film that is a gothic masterpiece that challenges genre conventions and offers a fresh perspective on familiar themes.
In Saltburn, every frame is a work of art, and every scene is meticulously crafted to draw the viewer deeper into its dark, twisted world. It’s a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.
