Barry Keoghan Opens Up About Embracing Full-Frontal Nudity in 'Saltburn' Role
Barry Keoghan overcame his initial worries about nudity in 'Saltburn' as he quickly became comfortable after the first take
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Barry Keoghan's initial concerns regarding full-frontal nudity in Saltburn quickly dissipated once the cameras began capturing the moment he gracefully danced in the nude.
"I initially felt a bit uncomfortable being completely naked. However, after the first take, I was ready to continue. The environment created was so comfortable that I forgot about my initial concerns and focused on the story. I have to give credit to choreographer Polly Bennett, who also worked on Elvis, for making sure I felt at ease. I was surprised to discover that I could dance so well. It was like a revelation to me."
Keoghan always understood the significance of his character, Oliver, baring it all. "It's such a relatable aspect, isn't it? Dancing freely in one's personal space, letting loose without any audience, and allowing the body to move however it pleases. Our genuine and unfiltered selves are revealed when we are in the nude," he explained to Vogue.
He continued, "In solitude, the mask we wear slips off. We catch a glimpse of Oliver at his most authentic state. It's also a display of power in a way. But then I ponder, 'Uh-oh, what comes next?' It's a downward journey. He now needs to discover something new, as he has already reached the pinnacle. Where does one go from there?"
Barry Keoughan as Oliver Quick in ‘Saltburn.’ MGM/Amazon Studios
In the end, the scene was shot 11 times, according to director Emerald Fennell. Speaking to Variety, Fennell described the scenes as "very beautiful" and explained that the camera used was quite complicated and technical. Despite the challenges, lead actor Keoghan displayed immense patience during the numerous takes, especially considering the explicit nature of the dancing. Take number seven was technically flawless, eliciting an enthusiastic response from everyone present. However, Fennell felt that it lacked the unique touch that portrayed Oliver's subtle flaws and imperfections, leading them to do four more takes. Keoghan humorously remarked that they likely achieved the desired result on the fourth take, but it seemed like people just wanted to keep witnessing his dancing.
During her conversation with EW, Fennell, aged 38, expressed her admiration for Keoghan's unwavering commitment to perfecting the scene. "To his credit, Barry did it four more times until the final take, which exudes an unmistakable, wickedly spirited enthusiasm that is impossible not to be captivated by," she remarked.
In Saltburn, the story revolves around Oliver (played by Keoghan), a student on a scholarship at Oxford University in 2006, who forms a bond with Felix (portrayed by Jacob Elordi), a wealthy and popular classmate. Once they become friends, Felix invites Oliver to spend the summer break at his family's extravagant estate, known as Saltburn. As Oliver grows closer to Felix's quirky family members (enacted by Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, and Alison Oliver), he becomes determined to find a means of maintaining his indulgent lifestyle.
Saltburn is in theaters in New York and Los Angeles now. It will expand to theaters everywhere on Friday, November 22.
