CW: Sex, Spoilers
The “Saltburn” craze is still underway. Whether it be all over your social media feed or the buzz at the latest award shows, the fascination over Jacob Elordi and Barry Keoghan is one that is yet to die down. And rightfully so. However, the supposed novelty of a shocking psychological romance may be getting more attention than deserved. After all, the essence of the film itself feels strikingly similar to that of Matt Damon and Jude Law’s dynamic in “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” Though the latter is based off of Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 psychological thriller – the similarities are uncanny.
In “Saltburn”, Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) innocently longs to be friends with Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi) from the start of the film – or at least that is what the film initially leads viewers to believe. As events transpire, it’s clear that there is more to the story and even more to Oliver’s intentions. Through narration, Oliver admits early on to loving Felix – though it is unclear what type of love he has for him.
Due to alleged familial issues with his parents, Felix invites his new friend back to his estate for time off of school. The nature of Oliver’s actions is revealed all throughout his stay in Saltburn with Felix and his family. There he meets with his parents, Elspeth Catton (Rosemund Pike) and Sir James (Richard E. Grant), who take a liking to him after claiming the loss of his own father. Watchers of the film will come to realize that Oliver is a master manipulator willing to do anything to get what he wants. During his vacation, he shares a rather sexual, bloody experience with Felix’s sister, Venetia (Alison Oliver). And then another sexual encounter with Farleigh (Archie Madekwe), the American cousin of the Cattons – an interaction that he uses to manipulate the situation and get information to use to his advantage. Actions such as these are the true testament to Oliver’s questionable behavior.
The similarities lie in the performance that Matt Damon delivers in the film adaptation of “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” His character is one that is not only manipulative but strangely fascinating; this is a quality that he seems to share with Keoghan’s role. Tom Ripley (Damon) seemingly starts off as a man on a mission – paid by Dickie Greenleaf’s (Law) father to return his son. Though, when he follows Dickie around, shows up unexpectedly and makes himself way too welcome, it shows his intentions are far more sinister. Throughout the film, he crosses the fine line between wanting Dickie and also wanting to be him. Really, to have his lavish lifestyle and be surrounded by the people who adore Dickie.
Similar to Oliver Quick, Tom Ripley goes to great lengths to get what he wants. In desperate moments he commits unthinkable acts, especially when he angrily murders Dickie in a fit of rage. When the two go out on a small boat together, Dickie all but berates him about their “dying” friendship. True to what is portrayed on screen, Tom is overbearing, a quality that Law’s character grows to dislike. When he vocalizes his newfound disdain for Tom, that is when he loses it. Essentially, this is the turning point in the film of everything after he does to cover up the murder and go on as if he did not kill his friend. Some of the extremes he goes to is breaking the heart of Tom’s fiance, claiming he just left, as well as impersonating Tom Ripley all together on different occasions. The worst comes when he strikes again, murdering one of Tom’s close friends. Portrayed by the late Seymour Hoffman, Freddie Miles suspects Tom is not truthful. Of course, Tom’s slip ups lead him to commit much more evil, wreaking havoc on those around him.
Both characters deliver such unsettling performances that stick with you after the first watch. The way that Damon mimics the behavior of those around him, studying their mannerisms and personality, allows him to get away with so much. This is all done as a way to completely become Dickie Greenleaf, just like Keoghan’s character who calculatingly plans each step of the way to get exactly what he wants out of his life. From the moment Felix’s bike has a flat tire to the surprise run-in Oliver has with Elspeth. Each incident is planned in advance, to fulfill his desires and avenge what he dislikes about the people who are privileged enough to live on Saltburn estate.
Though Tom Ripley does not do a nude dance number to “Murder On The Dance Floor” by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, his character is one that is similar to that of Oliver Quick’s. The two share the same qualities of someone willing to get so close to someone it overtakes them, ultimately, leading both main characters to make manipulative, maddening decisions. Such decisions that involve sexual encounters, murder and an intimate interaction with a grave.
Though this may be up to you as the viewer, are the similarities there between the two films? Or do they stand alone as their own film concepts? See for yourself by joining in on the craze, watch “Saltburn” followed by the streaming of the 25-year old film, “The Talented Mr. Ripley” and decide whether they have a similar feel.
