Summary
Saltburn effectively captures the atmosphere and culture of British university life in the 2000s, particularly at Oxford University.
The character of Farleigh accurately portrays the diverse and unique perspectives found within the student body, challenging the status quo.
The film’s attention to detail includes nostalgic music choices from the era, such as novelty tracks, which add to the overall authenticity of the story.
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Saltburn tantalized and scandalized audiences, and while its plot was fascinating, it also did a great job of representing university culture in the UK during the 2000s. Saltburn, written and directed by Emerald Fennell, follows the story of Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) as he attends Oxford University in 2006. The working-class young man goes on to meet Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi) and spends his summer with him at his family’s estate, developing an obsession with him.
While a majority of Saltburn takes place at the Catton family home, earlier scenes focus on the ins and outs of student life. It’s worth noting that each part of the UK has its own norms and culture, and that Oxford University is considered to be one of the highest-quality institutes in the country, but the student experience is generally similar for many. Saltburn provides a brilliant, nostalgic atmosphere for not just the early 2000s, but also for British university culture.
Saltburn is now available on Prime Video.
7 Every Class Has A Farleigh
Archie Madekwe’s Portrayal Was Accurate Of Many Real-Life Students
One of Saltburn’s strongest supporting characters, Farleigh Start (Archie Madekwe), had a brilliant introduction, with his character immediately showing exactly who he was within seconds of appearing on-screen. The international student was also Felix’s cousin, although the two family members differed greatly. Farleigh’s first scene in Saltburn sees him arrive for a tutoring session with Oliver, arriving twenty minutes late, and immediately the cultural differences come to light.
Farleigh’s approach to education is clearly different from Oliver’s, taking a more philosophical and creative approach to his academic arguments. He is also quick to try and pull apart Oliver’s essay, despite not having completed the work that had been assigned himself. UK universities tend to have a broad, diverse, student body, and Farleigh is a great personification of this: someone who breaks up the status quo, whether that annoys anyone in the process or not.
6 Ironically Listening To Novelty Music
Saltburn Showed Hype Of Cheesy Music In The 2000s
Saltburn’s soundtrack has been thoroughly praised for being accurate to the time period, and while there are plenty of brilliant musical additions to the film, such as “Murder on the Dancefloor” by Sophie Ellis-Bextor and “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers, there are also novelty music tracks. A great example of this is during the Christmas party scene, scored with “Have A Cheeky Christmas” by The Cheeky Girls. It’s a song that, even when newly released in 2003, was considered to be cheesy, so it’s surprising that Saltburn didn’t include more of this.
5 Going To The Same Pub Every Night
Even The Saltburn Characters Had A Regular
It’s very standard in the UK for people to visit the same pub or bar on the regular, and the Saltburn characters were no different. While a lot of British students don’t have the same financial stability as the likes of Farleigh or Felix, drinking culture is still a big part of the student experience. Because of this, it’s likely for them to flock toward somewhere that’s either cheap, close by, or both.
While universities in the UK do offer accommodation, the local pub or bar is like a second home for some students, which was brilliantly replicated in Saltburn. A great example of this is when Oliver cannot find Felix one evening, and almost immediately manages to locate him in the pub. Many scenes in Saltburn take place in a student bar, filled with drunken conversation as the academic year passes them by, which results in the eventual bond between Oliver and Felix.
4 Everyone Gets Called “Mate”
The Term Of Endearment Is Used By All
The use of the word “mate” is very common in the UK, and can be interpreted in many ways, depending on the context of the conversation. The thriller movie saw a lot of focus on the class system within British universities, with Keoghan and Elordi’s characters lying at either end of the spectrum, but the British term “mate” is one that ascends through social structure. Throughout the movie, Oliver and Felix use the term multiple times, which is ironic considering their friendship is built on lies and Oliver’s deception in Saltburn.
3 Everyone Was Reading Harry Potter
Popular Culture In Saltburn Was Incredibly Detailed
The early 2000s were consumed by the Harry Potter novel series, so it’s no surprise that many characters in Saltburn were reading it. While lazing around throughout the summer in the sun, Felix, Farleigh, and Venetia (Alison Oliver) can all be seen reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This moment shows just how brilliant the attention to detail in Saltburn is, as the book was released in July 2007, which lines up perfectly with the film’s timeline. While this detail was correct, there were some plot holes in Saltburn, especially surrounding popular culture at the time.
2 Nobody Bothers With The Reading List
The Unspoken Rule In UK Universities
One of Saltburn’s earlier scenes sees Oliver meet his tutor, Professor Ware (Reece Shearsmith), which quickly demonstrates who his character is. Coming from a lesser-known, more working-class, background, it’s established that Oliver is attending Oxford on a scholarship. Considering what an opportunity it is for him, it makes sense that he’d spent his summer reading all fifty books on Ware’s reading list, including the Bible.
However, even Oxford seems to be aware that actually getting a class of students to do several weeks’ worth of reading in preparation is an inspirational feat. Ware is quick to point out that the reading list is more of a suggestion than a requirement, and that he himself hadn’t read half of the books on there. This is one small instance in which Oliver doesn’t represent the typical British student, while everyone else’s reactions fit the experience.
1 Saltburn Nails The Difference Between Oxford & Other UK Universities
The Oxford Experience Is Unique To Other Academic Institutes
It’s important to know that the Oxford University experience is rather different compared to attending other UK universities. Over the years, both Oxford and Cambridge University have jumped between being rated the first and second-best universities in the UK, and both typically see a large percentage of their student bodies coming from backgrounds of money, power, and even royalty. Saltburn was very accurate in showing what the student experience was like specifically for Oxford students, with scenes showing students leaving their exams wearing red carnations, an Oxford tradition.
However, Saltburn shows the divide in the class system, too. A great example of this is Farleigh and Oliver’s interaction in the buildup to the summer ball, where the American makes a comment about the fact that Oliver’s black tie attire is rented. While some universities in the UK would ask for certain clothing to be worn for select events, it’s not a strict requirement. It’s not common for many students to already own a full tuxedo getup and while there’s a lot about Saltburn that represents the UK student experience, there are moments that aren’t universal.
Saltburn
Release Date November 17, 2023
Director Emerald Fennell