{"id":649,"date":"2023-11-25T18:40:15","date_gmt":"2023-11-25T18:40:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.granitecitynow.com\/?p=649"},"modified":"2023-11-25T18:58:41","modified_gmt":"2023-11-25T18:58:41","slug":"saltburn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/blog.granitecitynow.com\/?p=649","title":{"rendered":"Saltburn"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Saltburn\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

“I just wanted to be your friend.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though my moviegoing days are now fewer and farther between, I took one look at the trailer for Saltburn<\/em> and messaged a friend that we should go. Neither of us really knew much about the plot, but that simply added to the intrigue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saltburn<\/em> might be one of the most visually stunning movies I\u2019ve seen in a while \u2014 and possibly ever. Much of that is thanks to director Emerald Fennell<\/a>\u2019s brilliant use of light and shadow, creating a trance-like vibe that looks altogether romantic while sprinkling in an aura of mystery, secrecy, and\u2026 trepidation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interestingly, Fennell uses a tight aspect ratio, which initially seemed like it might be a distraction or feel unsettling. But instead, it creates an intimacy between these characters and a visceral audience connection to them. This cramped, compact format draws us in and more closely directs our attention to Oliver (Barry Keoghan<\/a>) and Felix (Jacob Elordi<\/a>) and their wild, wicked world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those extreme closeups \u2014 extreme closeups<\/em> \u2014 serve to highlight not just the physical beauty of the actors but also an almost seductive nature between their characters as well as the fascinating and alluring lifestyle that is Saltburn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And let\u2019s not forget about those stylized point-of-view shots, allowing insight through Oliver\u2019s eyes as we experience and begin to understand his mindset, actions, and distractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keoghan and Elordi are so good, so graceful, and so captivating. If their performances don\u2019t completely hypnotize you, Fennell\u2019s composition and shot selection certainly will. Don\u2019t be surprised if Saltburn<\/em> racks up a handful of Oscar nominations, especially for acting, directing, and cinematography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sure, the narrative is insanely twisted. But this dark, magnetic, disturbing \u2014 at times even disgusting \u2014 and exciting thrill ride is worth every minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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