Barry Keoghan, the talented actor who received an Oscar nomination, has now become a new kind of sex symbol thanks to his role in Emerald Fennell’s thrilling movie, “Saltburn.” The 31-year-old actor has captured the attention of audiences with scenes that involve slurping bathwater, having intimate encounters with graves, and even going full frontal in a mesmerizing dance to “Murder on the Dancefloor.” In an interview with GQ magazine, Keoghan expressed his satisfaction with finally being seen as a man rather than just a “freak child.” It’s a welcome change for him.
Embracing a New Identity
Keoghan shared his thoughts on the newfound attention, saying, “It’s nice, man. It’s nice not just being looked at as the weird-looking guy, the unique feckin’ freaky little freak man-child, freak child-man, whatever you want to call it. It’s nice to see people kind of look at you in that way. I’ll be honest. It is nice.”
He officially declared that his “little freak child-man era” is over, thanks to “Saltburn.” Keoghan now proudly identifies as a “Man-Freak” and sees the recognition as an opportunity to explore different avenues in his career. He added, “My prettiness didn’t get me this far, but it opens up other lanes for me—it’s part of the leading man thing.”
From Creepy to Charming
Martin McDonagh, the filmmaker who directed Keoghan in “The Banshees of Inisherin,” spoke highly of the actor’s unique charm. He mentioned that Keoghan’s ability to inhabit characters truthfully, flaws and all, is what sets him apart. McDonagh appreciated Keoghan’s approach to portraying characters without attempting to make them likable, explaining, “He always inhabits a person, warts and all, I think, and he doesn’t try to make you love them. He doesn’t sweeten the pill.”
Overcoming a Flesh-Eating Disease
Keoghan’s journey to success hasn’t been an easy one. Before filming “The Banshees of Inisherin,” he had to face a life-threatening illness known as necrotizing fasciitis, or flesh-eating disease. Keoghan ended up in the hospital and even faced the possibility of amputation. However, he remained determined and resilient. McDonagh shared his concerns during that time, recalling Keoghan’s unwavering confidence despite the severity of his condition. Fortunately, Keoghan recovered and went on to deliver an outstanding performance in the film.
Behind the Scenes of “Saltburn”
In an interview with Variety, Keoghan shed light on the process of filming the unforgettable and sexually charged scenes in “Saltburn.” He explained that his character’s obsession drives his actions, saying, “Take the bath scene. Yeah, it’s disgusting. But when you get into it, it’s a different level of obsession this boy has. That’s why I made the choice to rub my face along the plug hole and not slurp it straight away—because I’m trying to take it to a new level. Oliver doesn’t even know what he’s doing; he’s confused. He’s thinking, ‘I just want to be part of it. I want it to be on me. I want it to be me.’ I was discovering that with the character, as well.”
If you want to learn more about Barry Keoghan’s journey and his cover story, head over to GQ’s website F5mag.com.
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