Sophie Ellis-Bextor gave us one of her biggest hits with “Murder on the Dancefloor” and this song experienced quite a renaissance thanks to Saltburn. Many people rediscovered this 2000s disco hit after it was featured in the final scene of Emerald Fennell’s film, and Ellis-Bextor couldn’t be happier about it.
Ellis-Bextor discussed hearing her iconic hit in a recent interview with People and said she was happy to let Fennell use it, especially since the director didn’t really have a plan B.
“She just felt like it tied everything together in terms of the tone of the film and the juxtaposition of the sort of sweetness of the pop song, but also a little sting in the tail with the lyrics as well… I’ve been singing ‘Murder’ for over 20 years and it’s so nice that it still has the power to surprise me,” said Ellis-Bextor.
“Murder on the Dancefloor” made it to the final scene of Fennell’s black comedy, which sees Barry Keoghan dancing nude to its bit after doing whatever it takes to assume the ownership of the lavish Saltburn estate. Ellis-Bextor got to read the synopsis for this scene, but still “wasn’t quite prepared for the visual.”
Despite being taken aback by the final product, the singer said she “absolutely loved” Saltburn and described it as a “clever, funny, smart film.” She added that she “had a giggle” with Keoghan about his scene and said he’ll never be able to hear “Murder on the Dancefloor” the same way again.
