Marxism in "Saltburn"

 There have been movies coming out in recent years that I have automatically assumed would be progressive (or in Marxist terms, oppositional, I suppose) simply because of the way that they were casted or because of subject matter I believed would be covered. I continue to make these assumptions even though the only thing remotely “progressive” about them is the surprising increase in male nudity. I thought this about “Challengers” because I thought it would involve LGBT themes (it did not) and I thought the same about “Saltburn.”

I cannot say that I would recommend “Saltburn” to anyone, and I might even consider it unethical to do so. That being said, after I did all the readings for this week, it came to mind as containing Marxist themes. Upon more thought, I have decided “Saltburn” counts as a preferred reading in terms of social class. This blog post is intended to be spoiler-free, if that concerns anyone.

The film begins with the main character, Oliver, being viewed as an outcast because of his lower-class status. He meets another kid in the same boat, and this kid spews anti-upper class rhetoric, possibly leading viewers to believe that the film will actually take an oppositional stance. Soon, though, it becomes apparent that Oliver is determined to work his way up, and his ascent narrative begins (as discussed in the fourth reading). Oliver meets Felix and uses him as a vehicle for his economic rise.

At this point, there isn’t really a “bad guy” in the story, apart from nameless characters that tease Oliver for not being rich. Felix is part of a wealthy family, but is kind and understanding to Oliver from the beginning. Viewers can see a genuine friendship between the two. Felix brings Oliver to his family’s estate, the titular Saltburn, and Oliver begins to learn what it's like to have money. Slowly, Oliver does whatever it takes to stay in the lifestyle until viewers start questioning why they decided to watch this movie. He takes very drastic measures until he is ultimately the sole inheritor of the Saltburn property and all of its wealth.

Despite having a rather dark storyline, the film pretty much shows that an upper-class lifestyle is most desirable, because money brings in both power and happiness, first for Felix and his family and then for Oliver. The movie is so strange that it is unexpected for it to contain Marxist themes or for any philosophical thought to have gone into it, but it certainly does. It also contains themes about race, but significantly less than those about class.

Have you encountered any modern films that have strayed from your expectations in a similar way?