...And will lie there forever /
If your hands were in mine /
I'd be sure we'd not sever /
My apple tree, my brightness /
It's time we were together /
For I smell of the earth /
And am worn by the weather
Given the most controversial scene of this schlocky satire, it's safe to assume Fennell is familiar with the 17th century Irish ballad made famous by Sinead O'Connor's melodramatic interpretation. And that scene also represents the best and the worst of her follow-up to "Promising Young Woman", which has the same strengths and weaknesses: the lead is far too old to be believable in that role, but the photography is awe-inspiring; the story is completely overboard, but as long as one doesn't take it seriously quite enjoyable; and the shocking tidbits that will become popular memes barely camouflage how shallow the film is.
It's better than PYW because of Archie Madekwe, whose vitriolic Farleigh steals the show. I didn't see that coming after the rather bland "Gran Turismo", but he really seizes this opportunity to make a big name for himself. And the fact that he is so good also points out the cringe-worthy weakness of the last act - where is he? The audience expects a last turning of the tables, but it's not coming. And you are also supposed to believe that there are no police investigations into the untimely expiry of rich people, in a country where class determines everything according to the script.
If you are a young viewer interested in punches at British class hypocrisy, I'd recommend "The Ruling Class" (1972) and "Eat the Rich" (1987). "Saltburn" is a vain film about vanity yet gorgeously made. And I can't wait to see what Madekwe will do next.
Given the most controversial scene of this schlocky satire, it's safe to assume Fennell is familiar with the 17th century Irish ballad made famous by Sinead O'Connor's melodramatic interpretation. And that scene also represents the best and the worst of her follow-up to "Promising Young Woman", which has the same strengths and weaknesses: the lead is far too old to be believable in that role, but the photography is awe-inspiring; the story is completely overboard, but as long as one doesn't take it seriously quite enjoyable; and the shocking tidbits that will become popular memes barely camouflage how shallow the film is.
It's better than PYW because of Archie Madekwe, whose vitriolic Farleigh steals the show. I didn't see that coming after the rather bland "Gran Turismo", but he really seizes this opportunity to make a big name for himself. And the fact that he is so good also points out the cringe-worthy weakness of the last act - where is he? The audience expects a last turning of the tables, but it's not coming. And you are also supposed to believe that there are no police investigations into the untimely expiry of rich people, in a country where class determines everything according to the script.
If you are a young viewer interested in punches at British class hypocrisy, I'd recommend "The Ruling Class" (1972) and "Eat the Rich" (1987). "Saltburn" is a vain film about vanity yet gorgeously made. And I can't wait to see what Madekwe will do next.