Barry Keoghan, the talented actor, is shedding light on the exhilarating ending he portrays in Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn, where he boldly strips away his clothes. As more and more people discover the film on Amazon’s Prime Video, there is growing curiosity about how the film’s ending came to fruition. In a recent interview, Fennell revealed that the original script had a different ending in mind for Keoghan’s character, Oliver. Initially, Oliver was simply on his way to breakfast to be served runny eggs by the butler. This scene would have referred back to an earlier moment in the film. However, as the director explained, this alternative ending lacked the desired impact.
Emerald Fennell emphasized the importance of having a triumphant and provocative ending that truly captures the essence of Oliver’s character. She wanted the audience to be both repelled and intrigued by Oliver’s actions. Fennell shared her perspective, stating, “If we all did our job correctly, you are on Oliver’s side. You don’t care what he does, you want him to do it. You are both completely repulsed and sort of on his side. It’s that kind of dance with the devil. It’s like, ‘F***. Okay, let’s go.’ And so at the end, it needed to have a triumph, a post-coital win, a desecration.”
Instead of the initially planned breakfast scene, the final sequence of Saltburn showcases Oliver joyously dancing around the manor completely naked while Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Murder on the Dance Floor” plays in the background. Upon hearing this unconventional idea, Barry Keoghan immediately embraced the challenge. He explained, “It totally felt right. It’s ownership. This is my place. It’s full confidence in, ‘I can do what I want in this manor. I can strip to my barest and waltz around because this is mine.’ Yeah… it was fun.” Keoghan’s enthusiasm for the scene is evident, suggesting his commitment to portraying Oliver’s audacious nature.
Although Keoghan was eager to take on the scene, he had some initial hesitations when it came to filming it. The prospect of being naked on screen certainly gave him pause. However, after the first take, Keoghan found himself fully immersed in the role. He shared, “You kind of forget, because there’s such a comfortable environment created, and it gives you that license to go, ‘Alright, this is about the story now.'”
Emerald Fennell acknowledged the technical excellence achieved in the seventh take of the scene. However, she felt it lacked the undeniable wicked joy she envisioned for Oliver’s character. It was at this point that Barry Keoghan truly demonstrated his dedication to the role. Fennell revealed, “Barry, to his credit, did it four more times until the one that you see, which has this total f***ing evil joie de vivre that is impossible not to be on board with.” Keoghan’s willingness to push himself and strive for the director’s vision undoubtedly contributed to the captivating and memorable final result.
Barry Keoghan’s portrayal of Oliver in Saltburn showcases his commitment to his craft and his willingness to push boundaries. The evolution of the film’s ending, from a simple breakfast scene to an audacious and triumphant dance, demonstrates the collaboration between Keoghan and Fennell. This unique and provocative ending adds an unforgettable element to the film, leaving audiences both shocked and in awe.