The iconic graveyard sequence in Saltburn, which has left many people divided on social media about the actual meaning of the phrase “laid to rest,” was discussed by Saltburn lead actor, Barry Keoghan.
Following the release of the Emerald Fennell movie made available on Prime Video, there has been a lot of internet discussion over several unsettling and erotically bizarre scenes involving Keoghan’s Oliver persona. One of the images that leaves spectators speechless is the one where Oliver, overcome with libido and sorrow, decides to jerk off to some grave soil. Oliver weeps at Felix’s grave, his passionate obsession Felix (who was portrayed by Jacob Elordi), and then unbuttoned his trousers to release the sexual agony he was holding.
Chatting to Deadline on the Sunday Golden Globes red carpet, Keoghan disclosed that the contentious moment was concocted. “I wanted to see what Oliver would do next. I wanted to see what the next level of obsession was.” Keoghan said. “And by that [I mean], I just wanted the camera to roll. Not to kind of preempt it or rehearse it and what happened, happened. It was one take, and I think it was right. It moved the story forward.”
For Keoghan’s Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture—Drama and co-star Rosamund Pike’s Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture, Saltburn was nominated twice for Golden Globes.