‘The White Lotus’ Finds Inspiration in the Repugnant and the Relatable
variety.comScott Huver The success of HBO’s limited series “The White Lotus” is built on how deftly it examines the intricacies of human nature, with biting scripts by creator and director Mike White, and brilliant performances by its ensemble cast.
Co-stars Murray Bartlett and Jennifer Coolidge agree that the experience of portraying characters who are battling existential crises, set against a backdrop of beauty, luxury and privilege, was unlike any other.“It’s really holding a mirror up to some of the ugliest sides of our nature in such a cutting way,” says Bartlett in a video conversation with Variety.
Bartlett plays the polished, put-upon resort manager Armond, a character slowly self-destructing under increasing pressure. But even the most seemingly unsympathetic members of the ensemble reveal certain empathetic aspects. “The White Lotus” brings a collection of monied, privileged and oh-so-entitled members of the elite to an exclusive tropical resort, ostensibly for a relaxing island getaway heavy on the pampering.
But from the moment their luggage is dropped off, the travelers’ pent-up psychological and emotional baggage begins to unpack itself, whether they want it to or not.
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