Unraveling Oliver's Facade
In the enigmatic world of Saltburn, a tale of deception and manipulation unfolds with Oliver at its center. Portrayed by the talented Barry Keoghan, Oliver's character is a master of disguise, hiding his true intentions behind a facade of vulnerability and innocence. Throughout the narrative, keen observers may notice Oliver's peculiar habit of hugging his knees, a subtle clue to his intricate web of deceit.
Saltburn Felix and Oliver sitting on the floor at Felix's dorm
Initially portrayed as a timid and isolated student at the prestigious University of Oxford, Oliver's interactions with the affluent Felix Catton, played by Jacob Elordi, set the stage for a series of unexpected events. As Oliver's background of familial struggles is revealed, his integration into Felix's world at Saltburn takes on a sinister undertone. The seemingly innocent act of hugging his knees becomes a symbol of Oliver's calculated maneuvers, carefully orchestrated to achieve his hidden agenda.
Saltburn close up of Oliver hugging his knees
The Mask of Vulnerability
Oliver's physical demeanor, characterized by his protective stance of hugging his knees, serves as a visual representation of his psychological manipulation. Each instance of this posture, whether in Felix's presence or during moments of apparent distress, hints at Oliver's meticulous planning and strategic deceit. The audience is invited to decipher the layers of Oliver's facade, unraveling the complexities of his character through subtle gestures and nuanced expressions.
Saltburn Felix and Oliver sitting on the lawn
As the narrative unfolds, Oliver's true motives come to light, shrouded in a veil of vulnerability and feigned helplessness. His calculated display of anxiety and insecurity, manifested through the act of hugging his knees, becomes a key element in his elaborate scheme to infiltrate the Catton family and seize control of Saltburn. Behind the facade of innocence lies a cunning mind, adept at manipulating perceptions and concealing his true identity.
Saltburn Oliver looking down
A Moment of Truth
Amidst the web of lies and deception, there exists a singular moment of genuine vulnerability in Oliver's carefully constructed facade. When confronted with unexpected revelations during a visit to his parents' home, Oliver's facade crumbles, revealing a glimpse of his true emotions. The act of hugging his knees, once a calculated gesture of manipulation, now betrays a genuine sense of anxiety and apprehension.
Saltburn Oliver at his parents house hugging his knees
This moment of authenticity exposes Oliver's inner turmoil and unveils the cracks in his meticulously crafted deception. As the layers of deceit unravel, Oliver is forced to confront his own guilt and complicity in the elaborate charade he has orchestrated. The contrast between his calculated facade and genuine vulnerability adds depth to Oliver's character, blurring the lines between perpetrator and victim in the intricate tapestry of Saltburn's narrative.
Felix and Oliver looking at each other in Saltburn as Elspeth sunbathes in the background
