Barry Keoghan, the Irish star known for his intense roles, recently opened up about his headline-making, full-frontal dance scene in *Saltburn*. In his conversation with Louis Theroux on *The Louis Theroux Podcast*, which aired on November 4, Keoghan, 32, shed light on the behind-the-scenes thoughts and decisions that led to that unforgettable scene.
When Theroux mentioned rumors about "enhancements" or a "prosthetic" being used, Barry's reaction was priceless! "Enhanced? Who said that?" he laughed, quickly clarifying, "It was all me." For Keoghan, it was never about shock value. As he explained, the nudity fit the story perfectly, symbolizing Oliver Quick’s journey to finally claiming his space and his newfound power. *Saltburn*’s director, Emerald Fennell, had encouraged Keoghan to embrace the character’s sense of ownership over his lavish mansion, and he completely understood. “We all do it at home,” Barry shared. “We walk around naked because we’re comfortable; it’s our environment.”
Interestingly, what really made him nervous wasn’t the nudity but the dancing itself. In the scene, Keoghan’s character dances to Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s hit "Murder on the Dancefloor." He admits he's not much of a dancer and hesitated initially, but he was committed to his role and the authenticity it demanded. “If it’s required... if it moves the story forward, then I’ll do it,” he explained.
Keoghan’s performance has sparked plenty of conversation, including jokes at award shows and a mix of reactions from fans. When Vanity Fair asked him earlier this year if he felt objectified by the buzz around the scene, Keoghan was thoughtful. “It’s crazy,” he reflected, adding that while attention can be tough on mental health, he was prepared to handle it.
