Gilded Illusions Shattered: a feminist review of Saltburn (2023)
A Cinematic Dance of Darkness and Light
“Saltburn” (2023) unfolds as a visually compelling tableau—teeming with luxuriant cinematography and evocative landscapes that thread the film’s narrative together like a rich tapestry. Director Emer Reynolds, known for her meticulous attention to detail, crafts a cinematic world that oscillates between opulence and isolation. Every frame feels meticulously curated, shimmering with the allure of promises and the dread of hidden truths. While the visual splendor stands steadfast, under the scrutiny of a feminist lens, one cannot overlook how gender roles are both artfully woven together and frayed at the edges.
Unmasking Patriarchy’s Veiled Affection
From the very opening scenes, “Saltburn” proffers a glimmering promise of complex relationships, underpinned by potential subversions of traditional gender roles. Yet, as the narrative unfurls, it becomes apparent that male dominance still pervades the storyline’s foundation. Male characters, while artfully developed, occupy spaces of authority and influence, with their relational dynamics often superseding the narrative arcs of female counterparts. This structural imbalance reveals itself in both dialogue and screen time—where male voices drive the narrative forward, often steering where female interactions might naturally venture into emotionally resonant terrain.
The character of Lucia, ostensibly central and richly portrayed, is a mother who transcends initial impressions of docility. Her character is written with layers, yet her interactions remain tightly interwoven with the ambitions and actions of her male counterparts. Her narrative agency is stifled, as her story primarily advances through interactions with male figures, confining her role within the cinematic structure rather than liberating it. Conversations between women, while present, remain cursory—deprived of the narrative depth they might ultimately possess.
The Illusion of Subversion
The film tantalizes with the illusion of challenging power structures, yet ultimately falls short of shattering societal norms. Female ambition is explored but often depicted as tangential to male aspirations, highlighted through the lens of romantic entanglements, familial obligations, or societal rejection. The character of Nadia represents a compelling presence—dynamic, intelligent, fiercely motivated—yet her ambitions are often subtly redirected to support the broader ambitions of male figures within the film. Here lies a tacit acceptance of patriarchal structures, dressed in noble intentions but failing to liberate narrative agency where it is due.
This, however, does not dim the film’s artistic strengths. Reynolds harnesses symbolism with deft precision, using shadow and light to underscore emotional and thematic turmoil. Her command of contrasting color palettes reflects the film’s emotional oscillations—beautifully rendered scenes that parallel the characters’ tumultuous relationships. Yet visually captivating scenes, while transcending the narrative, leave the viewer yearning for corresponding depths in character autonomy.
Echoes of Emotional Resilience
Despite its limitations, “Saltburn” compels with its exploration of family and intimacy. The film is a meditation not only on structural gender dynamics but also on the complexities of human relationships. Emer Reynolds employs sound design with a mastery that complements the captions—a string symphony that flows between moments of tenderness and tension, underscoring familial bonds and individual isolation.
The portrayal of familial expectations underscores a broader commentary on social mores, where characters struggle to forge paths within the confines of societal edicts. It questions whether true personal ambition is attainable without compromise, engaging with a persistent feminist critique of the intricate web that binds women’s societal roles. It serves as a reminder: to unravel the gilded illusions of agency, one must persistently ask which stories are being told, by whom, and at what cost.
A Film of Dual Conviction
Ultimately, “Saltburn” stands as both a visual triumph and a narrative cast in duality. It is a film that embraces its thematic complexity, sparking dialogue about gender, power dynamics, and the push-pull of societal expectations. While it does not shatter the framework it so beautifully dresses, it offers moments of introspection and emotional depth that resonate with those who seek not just to watch but to critically engage.
For the astute viewer, “Saltburn” offers profound reflections on the structures that bind us, even as it falls short of delivering a feminist triumph. It bewitches the eye, igniting the imagination, while imploring the viewer to reconsider what occurs unseen behind sumptuous exterior facades. A love letter to the art of cinema, married to a critique of the narrative constraints that still govern its patriarchal shadow, it asks us to dream louder, seek deeper, and always—always—question our gilded illusions.
