Jacob Elordi on Prudish Reactions to Saltburn Bathtub Scene

Jacob Elordi Defends Saltburn Bathtub Scene, Calls Public Reaction “Prudish”

Actor Jacob Elordi has addressed the intense public reaction to a now-infamous scene in the 2023 film “Saltburn.” The actor shared his thoughts on a recent podcast appearance. He specifically commented on the scene where his character’s bathwater is consumed.

Elordi suggested the shocked response reveals more about modern society than the film itself. He made these comments on the November 6 episode of Entertainment Weekly’s Awardist podcast. The film, directed by Emerald Fennell, sparked widespread online discussion for its boundary-pushing content.

Elordi Questions Societal Standards on Screen

The actor expressed his belief that the scene is not particularly extreme. He pointed to more graphic content readily available in other cinema. Elordi also compared it to popular true-crime documentaries on streaming platforms.

He found the public’s focus on “Saltburn” interesting. He considered the film a fictional piece with a simple taboo element. The actor mused that this minor taboo made people’s “skin crawl.”

A Willingness to Push Cinematic Boundaries

Elordi has been frequently asked about the bathtub moment. He recalled being excited when he first read the scene in the script. He told Stream Wars in 2023 that such moments are rare in mainstream movies.

He praised director Emerald Fennell for being allowed to push those boundaries. The scene’s notoriety even inspired a “Saltburn”-themed bathtub candle. Elordi later humorously questioned his compensation for the odd merchandise.

The “Saltburn bathtub scene” continues to be a cultural talking point, demonstrating how a single moment in film can spark a larger conversation about art, taste, and societal norms.

Dropping this nugget your way

What happens in the Saltburn bathtub scene?

Barry Keoghan’s character, Oliver, is shown sipping the leftover bathwater of Jacob Elordi’s character, Felix. The moment is intended to display Oliver’s intense obsession and desire to consume every part of Felix’s life.

How did Jacob Elordi feel about filming the scene?

Elordi has stated he was excited by the scene when he read the script. He believed it was great that the director was allowed to push such boundaries in a mainstream film.

Was there really a Saltburn-inspired candle?

Yes, a company released a candle inspired by the infamous scene. Jacob Elordi later sniffed it on a talk show, remarking that it smelled like clean laundry and detergent.

Why does Elordi think the reaction was prudish?

He believes the response shows society’s prudishness because far more graphic and alarming content is widely consumed, such as violent true-crime documentaries.

What other shocking scenes are in Saltburn?

Besides the bathtub scene, the film includes a gravesite scene that also generated significant discussion. Both moments were central to the film’s viral popularity and cultural impact.