‘Saltburn’: Iconic or Disastrous? Plus: Alexander Payne!
Nov 27, 2023
01:44:01
auto_awesome Snipd AI
Director Alexander Payne joins the podcast to discuss his film 'Holdovers' and reuniting with Paul Giamatti. The hosts also share thoughts on Disney's 'Wish', analyze Emerald Fennell's 'Saltburn' and their top five big swing movies, and explore filmmaking techniques and atmosphere in movies.
Read more
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
The character motivations in 'Saltburn' are unclear and the overall narrative lacks coherence.
Despite its flaws, 'Saltburn' showcases strong visuals and attention to detail in recreating the 2006 time period.
Alexander Payne discusses his collaborative approach to filmmaking and the importance of concise screenplays.
Payne emphasizes the influence of casting and the actor-camera relationship on capturing authentic performances.
Deep dives
Character confusion and a lack of clear motivation
The character of Oliver in the movie is not well developed and his motivations remain unclear. It is uncertain why he wants to destroy the family or what his ultimate goal is.
Strong visuals and attention to detail
Despite the unclear character motivations, the movie showcases strong visuals and attention to detail, especially in recreating the 2006 time period and the extravagant parties at Sulpern.
Unexamined narrative and lack of coherence
The overall narrative lacks coherence and the film often feels unexamined, with plot points and character actions that do not fully connect. It is unclear what message or theme the movie is trying to convey.
Watchable but intellectually bankrupt
While the movie is watchable and has moments of humor, it ultimately feels intellectually bankrupt, as the characters and their motivations are not fully explored or satisfyingly resolved.
Importance of Collaboration with Screenwriters
Alexander Payne discusses his collaboration with screenwriters and how it allows him to bring his directorial vision to life. He emphasizes the importance of concise and clear screenplays that capture the emotional beats of the story while leaving room for directorial input. Payne believes that working closely with screenwriters ensures that the screenplay reflects his taste and is directable by him.
Stylistic Choices in Filmmaking
Payne explains that while his films are often associated with the style of 1970s cinema, his approach is not to intentionally emulate that era. Instead, he views himself as a contemporary filmmaker creating a movie set in the 1970s. While he uses techniques such as snap zooms, dissolves, and wipes, Payne notes that he also introduces new elements, such as shooting in different aspect ratios, to enhance the visual storytelling. His goal is to make stylistic choices that serve the emotional beats of the story, whether they are new or reminiscent of past films.
Casting and the Camera's Relationship with Actors
Payne shares his views on casting and the unique relationship between actors and the camera. He believes that talent and ability are important for actors, and in particular, having a face that the camera loves can make a significant impact on their on-screen presence. Payne also highlights that some actors have a deep understanding of how to communicate truth to the lens, sometimes revealing emotions that they may not express to anyone else. He views this as a fascinating aspect of the actor-camera relationship and its influence on capturing authentic performances.
Appreciation of Classic Films
Payne expresses his appreciation for classic films, specifically mentioning 'Double Indemnity' and 'It's a Wonderful Life.' He highlights the timeless quality of these movies and how they continue to resonate, even after multiple viewings. Payne acknowledges their deep exploration of themes, effective use of dialogue, and expert craftsmanship. As he gets older, he finds a renewed appreciation for the richness and darkness of these classics and how they provide vivid portraits of different eras and perspectives.
Sean and Amanda briefly share thoughts on Disney’s ‘Wish’ (1:00), before digging deep into Emerald Fennell’s ‘Saltburn,’ including its cast, its spotty plot, its relation to Fennell’s first feature, and more (5:00). Then, they share their top five “big swing” movies (1:07:00). Finally, Sean is joined by ‘Holdovers’ director Alexander Payne to discuss reuniting with Paul Giamatti, casting an actor in their first role, the filmmaking style of the movie, and more (1:20:00).
