Jacob Elordi reacts to Saltburn bathtub scene controversy. [Image Source: YIMG]
Jacob Elordi has voiced his frustration over the public’s response to a provocative bathtub scene in Emerald Fennell’s 2023 thriller Saltburn. Addressing the intense reaction, Elordi suggested that the backlash reveals how “prudish” many viewers are, instead of considering the scene as simply a mildly taboo moment. The actor’s comments highlight the differing standards people hold toward sexual content versus violent media in entertainment.
Details on the Bathtub Scene and Its Controversy
In the scene stirring so much discussion, Oliver (Barry Keoghan) secretly observes Felix (Jacob Elordi) masturbating in a bathtub before drinking the bathwater. This unsettling but unusual sequence has sparked widespread conversation online and even led to the creation of a novelty “Jacob Elordi’s Bathwater” candle. Elordi, however, downplayed the controversy, pushing back against the shock expressed by many.
Elordi on Cultural Attitudes Toward Sexual Content in Film
During a conversation with Entertainment Weekly’s Awardist podcast, Elordi reflected on the public’s discomfort. He noted,
“I actually think it shows me just how, I guess, prudish we are,”
Jacob Elordi said. He also pointed out that he has seen much more extreme and graphic content in cinema without the same level of outrage, emphasizing the contrast between reactions to sexual scenes and other types of material.
“When I watch that, I just think there’s far more extreme things in cinema that I’ve seen, far more graphic,”
he added.
Comparison Between Reactions to Sexual Content and Violent Media
Elordi found it baffling that audiences seem willing to consume disturbing violence in documentaries or other content without much protest, while being unsettled by a relatively tame sexual scene.
Image of: Jacob Elordi
“There’s more alarming things in the top 10 streamed remakes of crime documentaries on every streaming platform,”
he remarked.
“I think that’s much more alarming, the kind of horrible joy that we all get from watching children be mutilated. That’s what was interesting to me.”
His comments underline a perceived hypocrisy in what people find acceptable to watch versus what makes them uncomfortable.
Reflections on Viewer Responses to Taboo Elements
Elordi found the strong emotional response to the bathtub scene curious, saying,
“I was like, here’s a piece of fiction with something just a little taboo, and that makes people’s skin crawl. It’s an interesting parallel.”
His perspective invites a deeper examination of societal boundaries and why certain on-screen moments provoke such stark differences in viewer sensitivity.
Behind the Scenes: Emerald Fennell and Cinematographer Reaction
Emerald Fennell, the film’s director, shared that even her seasoned cinematographer, Linus Sandgren, was visibly affected during filming. She recounted,
“When Barry started to rim the drain, Linus squealed like a little girl, and we had to edit it out, and he was like, ‘F—,’”
Fennell revealed. She continued by highlighting the unique power of the scene, explaining,
“That is the thing — if in the room on the monitor you are all feeling like, ‘Whoa, holy s—,’ then it’s the most exciting thing in the world.”
Fennell added that the sequence induced an involuntary physical reaction even when professional restraint was required, noting,
“Because it’s not just that something’s incredibly sexy, or at least I think it is; it has an involuntary physical response actually, that even when you are not physically supposed to respond vocally because you’re filming, you do that because it’s something that you can’t help but respond to. And it’s those moments where you know that you are getting to something that is incredible.”
The Significance of the Debate Surrounding Saltburn’s Scene
Jacob Elordi’s critical take on the Saltburn bathtub scene backlash sheds light on broader cultural discomfort around sexuality in media and the double standards with violence on screen. His remarks provoke reflection on why certain content provokes more disgust or shame despite being less graphic or harmful. As public discourse on film censorship and viewer boundaries continues to evolve, this conversation may influence how future movies approach controversial subjects.
With the Saltburn scene already a viral touchpoint, Elordi’s candid opinions encourage audiences and creators alike to reconsider what triggers outrage and why more nuanced discussions around art consumption are necessary.
