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00:00:00 – 00:13:37
The video delves deeply into the intricacies behind the making of the film "Saltburn," directed by Emerald Finel and featuring key performances by Barry Keoghan and Paul Ree. Central themes involve the film's rich Gothic atmosphere and detailed production design that reflects a blend of beauty, surreal elements, and the fetishization of objects. The setting, notably a grand house named Saltburn, plays an essential role, with meticulous attention paid to creating an authentic and imposing environment.
The discussion highlights choices such as a square aspect ratio to capture the full height of the gothic house and the effort that costume designer Sophie Canal put into authentically recreating the specific fashion and cultural markers of 2006. The narrative complexity is further enhanced by the music of composer Anthony Willis, contributing to the overall atmospheric tension of the film.
Attention to authenticity and meticulous detail is also reflected in the description of set elements like a sitting room referred to as the "long Gallery" and a maze designed by Adrien Fischer. There is strong emphasis on how these elements, including the clutter and specific decorative items, ground the setting in reality.
The video's exploration of thematic elements includes voyeurism and judgment, symbolized through the use of mirrors and windows, and showcases the psychological nuance in character portrayal. The final segments particularly underscore the importance of the bathroom set, highlighting its transformed aesthetic that balances exhibitionist vibes with practical functionality, contributing to the masculine yet dynamic visual narrative of the film.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the director Emerald Finel discusses the film “Saltburn” and particularly focuses on a scene where the protagonist, Oliver Quick (played by Barry Keoghan), arrives at his friend Felix’s house for the summer. Felix invites Oliver out of pity, unaware that the house, named Saltburn, is grand and imposing. Finel praises Keoghan’s performance, noting his ability to portray both a grounded and otherworldly character. The scene shifts to a Gothic atmosphere as Oliver is greeted by Duncan, the butler (played by Paul Ree). Finel commends the production design team for their work in creating a setting that reflects the film’s themes of beauty and the fetishization of objects, emphasizing small details like a pair of knickers tossed during a party.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the unique aspects of the film set and costume design. They highlight how the square aspect ratio was chosen to capture the full height and ornate details of a tall, gothic house, which was crucial as the house had no presence on the internet. The house features statues with silly hats, representing a mix of surreal and mundane elements that define the film’s tone. The speaker also points out the house’s Gothic atmosphere, enhancing the storytelling through shadows and silhouettes for a sense of unease.
The costume designer, Sophie Canal, aimed to authentically recreate the period of 2006, which now feels distinctly dated. Specific details like a Livestrong bracelet and fashion choices, including unironed clothes and airplane seatbelt belts, emphasize the casual elegance and the slight cringe of 2006 fashion. The era’s hairstyle trends, such as sideburns, are also noted. The speaker humorously reflects on the embarrassment of fashion choices from that time, emphasizing authenticity even when it feels personally awkward.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the speaker gives a shout-out to composer Anthony Willis and highlights his work on “Promising Young Woman.” The discussion centers on the starting point for a film, inspired by “Zadok the Priest,” a British coronation anthem. The speaker describes the character Duncan’s intimidating presence and his lifelong connection to Felix. The choice of linen in costumes is emphasized for its play with light, which illustrates the characters’ awareness of each other’s bodies. The narrative focuses on Felix’s tour of a beautifully chosen house, emphasizing its visual impact without overshadowing the storyline. The camera work captures long, continuous shots, giving a sense of the house’s scale and grandeur. Themes of constant observation, voyeurism, and judgment are explored through metaphors such as mirrors and windows.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the speaker provides a tour and behind-the-scenes insights into various elements of a film set, focusing on significant details. The “long Gallery” is described as a sitting room, and there is mention of a maze outside designed by Adrien Fischer, noted for his expertise in creating intricate mazes. The maze includes both a challenging path and an easier cheats route. The speaker praises Jacob Eli’s natural and authentic audition performance, highlighting the difficulty of portraying a “nice guy” authentically. There is also a discussion about the complexity of characters and how everyone’s perception of themselves differs from how others see them.
The segment then transitions to a more detailed look at set decorations, mentioning specific items like a bright blue ’90s IKEA lamp, cigarettes, and “wilon Cricket manuals” to convey authenticity and realism. The emphasis is on the importance of meticulous details, like Flemish tapestries and everyday clutter, to bring each scene to life. The speaker underscores their obsession with accuracy and the tiny elements that make the film’s world believable. The part concludes with a casual comment about sharing a bathroom on the set.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the discussion focuses on a prominent bathroom featured in the movie. Initially plain and white, this room was transformed with matching inbuilt sinks on opposite sides, allowing the boys to see each other even when facing away. The freestanding bath in the center contributes to an exhibitionist vibe, harkening back to times when servants came and went freely. The space is adorned with unique Pier Fray wallpaper, resembling marble and smoke, adding to the masculine aesthetic with mahogany and slate materials. Despite its beauty, practical items like shampoo and toothbrushes are intentionally included to maintain functionality.