Emerald Fennell, the talented writer, director, and producer awarded the 2021 Best Screenplay Oscar for “Promising Young Woman,” has taken a rather unconventional path with her upcoming project, “Saltburn.” Despite being flooded with incredible offers and the opportunity to work with some of her lifelong inspirations, Fennell made a conscious decision to retreat from the limelight and focus solely on her new venture. This choice may seem peculiar to many, but for Fennell, it is an essential aspect of her creative process.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Fennell explains her rationale behind her solitary approach: “I can only do one thing at a time, and I can only do it in secret… It has to feel private for it to be really honest.” This commitment to privacy and exclusivity demonstrates Fennell’s dedication to preserving the purity and authenticity of her artistic vision. By guarding her work until its completion, she maintains a sense of ownership and an unhampered connection to her creations.
By consciously avoiding any knowledge of the incredible offers that came her way, Fennell sought to eliminate any potential distractions. She understood that the allure of these opportunities, coupled with external opinions and influences, might dilute the integrity of her work and hamper her creative drive. To evade this temptation, she instructed her managers and agents not to divulge any details until she presented them with the finished script.
When it comes to selecting actors for her projects, Fennell follows a distinct approach that sets her apart from traditional audition processes. Rather than conducting formalized auditions, Fennell prefers to personally meet with the actors over a cup of coffee. These informal conversations allow her to gauge the chemistry between herself and the potential cast members. Fennell acknowledges that there is something intangible about this chemistry, something that delves beyond words and taps into a deeper understanding of one another.
During these coffee meetings, Fennell doesn’t shy away from asking abstract and thought-provoking questions. Questions like “Do you like being famous?” are designed to elicit meaningful responses and gauge the actors’ honesty and openness to explore complex themes. Fennell views these initial interactions as an opportunity to assess whether the prospective cast members can truly dive into the intricacies of her projects and embrace the vulnerability required for honest storytelling.
Fennell’s upcoming project, “Saltburn,” promises to be a mesmerizing exploration of the allure of wealth, privilege, beauty, and the havoc they can inflict on society. The film stars Barry Keoghan as Oliver, a student who becomes captivated by his fellow Oxford peer, Felix, portrayed by Jacob Elordi. Invited to Felix’s family country estate for the summer, Oliver embarks on a journey that will challenge his perceptions and expose him to a world of gripping complexities. Joining Keoghan and Elordi in this exceptional cast are Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, Alison Olivier, and Carey Mulligan, whose remarkable talents will undoubtedly bring Fennell’s unique vision to life.
Emerald Fennell’s creative process offers unique insights into the mind of a filmmaker dedicated to preserving the authenticity and honesty of her work. By retreating from external influences and meticulously selecting her cast through personal interactions, she ensures that her projects embody her artistic vision and resonate with audiences on a profound level. As we eagerly await the release of “Saltburn,” we can only anticipate the incredible storytelling and thought-provoking narratives that Fennell will continue to bring to the silver screen.