The film Saltburn, directed by Emerald Fennell, has been making waves in the cinematic world since its release, garnering praise for its dark humour, lush visuals, and bold storytelling. However, one scene in particular has captured the attention of audiences and critics alike: the now-infamous “Saltburn bathtub scene.” Provocative, unsettling, and undeniably memorable, this moment has become a cultural talking point, sparking debates about its meaning, symbolism, and place in the narrative.
This article will delve deep into the Saltburn bathtub scene, exploring its context, thematic significance, and why it resonates so strongly with viewers. From its artistic choices to the controversy it has stirred, this scene is a microcosm of the film’s audacious approach to storytelling.
Context: Setting the Stage for the Saltburn Bathtub Scene
To fully understand the impact of the Saltburn bathtub scene, it’s essential to grasp the broader context of the film. Saltburn is a dark, twisted tale of obsession, privilege, and the allure of excess. Set in the mid-2000s, the story follows Oliver (Barry Keoghan), a scholarship student at Oxford University, who becomes enraptured by his charismatic and wealthy classmate, Felix (Jacob Elordi). When Felix invites Oliver to spend the summer at his family’s sprawling countryside estate, Saltburn, the stage is set for a tale of desire, decadence, and destruction.
The Saltburn estate is as much a character as any of the cast, with its labyrinthine halls, opulent décor, and an underlying sense of menace. In this gilded setting, the infamous bathtub scene takes place—a moment that encapsulates both the film’s themes and its audacious tone.
The Scene: A Bold and Uncomfortable Moment
The Saltburn bathtub scene is an unflinching exploration of obsession and voyeurism. Without delving into explicit spoilers, the scene involves Oliver indulging in a profoundly intimate and morally ambiguous act while in Felix’s bathroom. Oblivious to Oliver’s fixation, Felix becomes an unknowing participant in the scene, heightening the tension and discomfort for the audience. The act is provocative and daring, pushing the boundaries of what is typically portrayed on screen.
What makes this scene so impactful is its rawness. Fennell doesn’t shy away from showing the complexities of human desire, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. The camera lingers, forcing the audience to confront Oliver’s obsession and the lengths he will go to immerse himself in Felix’s world. This voyeuristic approach places viewers in a complicit position, mirroring Oliver’s invasive gaze and making the scene all the more unsettling.
Themes and Symbolism: What the Saltburn Bathtub Scene Represents
At its core, the Saltburn bathtub scene studies obsession and the power dynamics of class and privilege. Oliver’s fascination with Felix transcends mere admiration; it becomes a consuming desire to possess and inhabit his life. The bathtub, an inherently private and vulnerable space, symbolises this intrusion. By entering this space literally and figuratively, Oliver crosses a boundary that cannot be undone.
The scene also underscores the film’s exploration of excess and the moral decay often accompanying privilege. Saltburn itself is a place of extremes, where beauty and grotesqueness coexist. The bathtub scene embodies this duality, juxtaposing Felix’s luxury with Oliver’s desperate and invasive actions. It’s both seductive and repellent, much like the world of Saltburn itself.
Another layer of symbolism lies in the act of cleansing. A bathtub traditionally represents purification and renewal but becomes a blasphemy site in this context. This subversion of expectations speaks to the film’s broader themes of corruption and the darker side of human nature.
The Performances: Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi Shine
A key reason the Saltburn bathtub scene resonates so firmly is the performances of Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi. Keoghan, in particular, delivers a masterclass in portraying complex, morally ambiguous characters. His portrayal of Oliver is equally equally racist and disturbing, making it difficult for viewers to condemn or support him fully. In the bathtub scene, Keoghan’s nuanced performance captures Oliver’s vulnerability, desperation, and moral descent, creating a moment that lingers long after the credits roll.
Jacob Elordi, meanwhile, brings an effortless charisma to Felix, making him the perfect object of Oliver’s obsession. Felix is magnetic and enigmatic, embodying the privilege and allure that Oliver craves. Though Felix is unaware of Oliver’s actions in the bathtub scene, Elordi’s performance adds an undercurrent of tension as viewers sense the unspoken power imbalance between the two characters.
Audience Reactions: Praise, Controversy, and Debate
Unsurprisingly, the Saltburn bathtub scene has sparked intense reactions from audiences and critics alike. Some have praised it as a bold and courageous depiction of desire, applauding Fennell’s willingness to push boundaries and challenge traditional storytelling norms. For these viewers, the scene is a testament to the film’s audacity and commitment to exploring human relationships’ complexities.
Others, however, have found the scene gratuitous or overly provocative, questioning whether it adds to the narrative or simply serves to shock. This divide speaks to the scene’s power—it’s impossible to watch without a strong positive or negative reaction. It’s a moment that demands unpacking and discussion, ensuring its place in the cultural conversation surrounding the film.
Cinematic Boldness: Emerald Fennell’s Vision
The Saltburn bathtub scene is emblematic of Emerald Fennell’s fearless approach to filmmaking. Following her Oscar-winning success with Promising Young Woman, Fennell has once again proven her ability to craft provocative, stylish, and thematically rich stories. Like the rest of the film, the bathtub scene is meticulously crafted, from its cinematography to its pacing.
Fennell’s decision to include such a divisive moment speaks to her commitment to authenticity and refusal to shy away from the darker aspects of human nature. By forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths, she creates a cinematic experience that is as thought-provoking as visually stunning.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Saltburn Bathtub Scene
The Saltburn bathtub scene is more than just a shocking moment—it’s a microcosm of the film’s themes, style, and ambition. Its unflinching depiction of obsession and moral ambiguity challenges viewers to grapple with their discomfort and complicity. Love it or hate it, the scene is impossible to forget, cementing its place in the pantheon of bold cinematic moments.
Ultimately, the Saltburn bathtub scene serves as a testament to the power of storytelling. Pushing boundaries and sparking conversation reminds us why cinema matters—it can provoke, challenge, and stay with us long after the credits roll. Whether viewed as a masterpiece or a misstep, this scene will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the defining moments of Saltburn and a hallmark of Emerald Fennell’s fearless vision.
