The White Lotus & The Power of Perspective
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 มิ.ย. 2024
- Written by Mickey Angelov.
Thank you Panwa (@flickfanatics7948) & Dylan (@ThePopcornPodcast) for the support & inspiration. Thank you Mike White, and all the cast & crew of 'The White Lotus', for the material & the incredible show.
Please consider liking and commenting (maybe even subscribing!) if you enjoyed this video essay. We want to aim to make more of these, so let us know if that's something you would like!
#TheWhiteLotus #VideoEssay #FilmEssay
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Look Aside Films is an auteur-driven production company and curatorial platform currently based in London, UK.
Music from the official 'The White Lotus: Season 2 - Soundtrack' by Cristobal Tapia de Veer and Kim Neundorf.
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00:00 - intro
01:06 - why does the white lotus feel so unique?
02:29 - cam, harper, ethan, and daphne
07:05 - lucia
08:18 - power through perspective
IMO Daphne's quote is one of desperation. She desperately tries to play the same game as her husband in order to not appear as a "victim" to herself. But she is a victim of the circumstance because this is not her choice, she is pushing herself to perform acts that she would otherwise avoid to keep her relationship in a sort of balance through quid-pro-quo. She's the sacrificial lamb in this story. She is obviously a rich, unsophisticated, beauty and hard to relate. But she loves her husband and family and that's the only way she knows how to keep 'em.
I love this insight. I found Daphne one of the most fascinating characters myself. I think if you look at the show from a 'power' perspective, she's a brilliant case study: basically holding a lot of power, but only out of necessity and only to, as you mentioned, keep the relationship alive through some sort of artificial balance. Really interesting to figure out how the character clicks, and specifically for Daphne, there's so much left for us to interpret, which makes her even more puzzling.
I personally think she's the best character in season 2. Which is crazy because there are so many wonderfully written women on this show.
@@izzyjoshuadavis Definitely agreed!
There were multiple scenes where Cameron was depicted as zoning out such as when daphne was calling the kids or when they were in the airport about to go home. Everytime he zones out Daphne brings him back to the present moment like when she calls him to come talk to the kids or when she touches his face in the airport and gently pulls his face to look at her's.
Daphne is just naturally a person that is present while cameron is a person that is not. She stays while he leaves. They compliment each other.
Yes, "her" family ... the kids appear to belong to the blonde trainer and not Cameron, but he knows that. I suspect this balancing act won't end well in the end.
So glad you made this bro. Not enough video essays on The White Lotus. It’s also a masterpiece in subtext, utilising psychological complexity to the fullest. Needs to be studied at Film Schools goddammit.
Thanks so much for the kind words! Definitely agreed -- absolutely masterful show.
Thought this comment was sarcastic at first.
I think you probably just haven’t looked hard enough there are plenty of good ones try the channel just an observation
its crazy how a show that sounds so dull on paper, essentially just rich people problems, can be so riveting and enticing. i look forward to every episode of this show and this analysis illustrates so well why we are obsessed with these rich people and their unhinged behavior
I love that The White Lotus season 1, with its low production budget, cast filled exclusively with under-the-radar actors, and not based on any IP or historical event won so many awards over the “Emmy bait” miniseries that are popping up like crazy.
Are you calling Jennifer under the radar???
@SaidaAlmightyy Jennifer was and is a star. At the time of her casting in White Lotus however she was not at a high point in her career. She’s said in interviews that it revived her career.
Murray Bartlett, Sydney Sweeney, Lukas Gage, Fred Hechinger, and Brittany O’Grady in S1 were definitely “under the radar” at the time of being cast. Same for Haley Lu Richardson, Adam DiMarco, Leo Woodall, and Meghann Fahy in S2. Michael Imperioli hasn’t been as relevant as he is now (that relevancy being due to White Lotus) since The Sopranos ended 17 years ago.
Compare these names to who you see in Big Little Lies, The Morning Show, or any Apple TV+ show (they tend to only cast A-listers) and they were definitely under the radar in comparison.
I loved this analysis, I realized as I watched how it bothered me when I wasn't seeing the story from the perspective of the characters I liked (Harper, Lucia), but it makes sense when we think about how to continue with them would mess the mystery. Hugs from Brazil!
Thanks so much! Definitely - I wanted more of those characters, too, but it makes sense story-wise. :)
I definitely believe the use of perspective was masterful and I think you have an interesting take
I actually believe we view the two couples' story from the perspective of Ethan. Watching him turn away Mia makes us sympathize with him, because we know for certain he wasn't the one who used the condom. Imagine that scene wasn't there? We would have a completely different perspective of what happened.
Now because we view things from Ethan's perspective, we never find out what happened between his wife and friend. So we sympathize with his struggle even more, as like him we have no idea what happened and the potential for cheating seems plausible.
What I found really amazing was that we stop seeing what happens with Ethan when he walks with Cameron's wife towards the end of the story. That's the reason I'm leaning towards the idea they cheated, because since this is Ethan's perspective, we don't see him when he does something indefensibly bad.
It's incredible that this is only your second video essay. Incredibly well articulated and very thought-provoking. Keep at it, friend! You earned a sub
Thank you very much for the kind words. Means a lot!
Good observation about shifting perspectives. I've been telling my friends to come for the scenery and ambiance but stay for the character development and superb conveyance of underlying motives and emotions. The cast is fantastic, their faces and body language always providing the truth of the moment. The Sicilian backdrop is incredible, also acting as an expositor ... from the intrinsic beauty of the land itself, to the overly opulent villas, the turbulent waters and a spitting volcano.
Thank you, I started re-watching this show again (only season 2). I love all the characters. I really cannot get enough, even if it is killing the vibe.
Totally understandable. Did a few rewatches myself...
It's so good, so much you notice the more you rewatch
I adore this show and this video is sooooo well done, especially the music and analysis
Thank you very much for your comment!
This has been such an interesting no pun intended perspective, And you are so right -I didn’t realize it but our guide into the story changes as the story unfolds. I believe why it doesn’t feel jarring to us viewers is because of the genre and the fact that it is a murder mystery and so we are open to switching perspective in the hopes that it will bring us closer to solving the Mystery. I look forward to more videos; :)
Definitely. It's a really unique narrative method - and I think because there are so many characters and storylines, it doesn't feel as obvious, but it's definitely a concrete choice.
He gives good examples of the laws of human nature, where characters are morally complex, and while some assume they have the best interest of others they can come of as projecting their beliefs onto them. Even tho its a vacation theres lots of need of power and control over others, based off of our biased beliefs.
Excellent video! There is SO much to unpack in The White Lotus with episode filled with subtle details. I love the nuance of each character and the actor’s performance! I’d love another video on either season of this show
Thank you very much for your comment! Totally agree. That's why I struggled so much with this essay - it's difficult to pick an angle when it comes to 'The White Lotus' because so many parts of it are fascinating. Will definitely think about making another one...
@@lookasidefilms6614 I’d say you chose a unique angle to discuss! The shift in perspective even flew over my head. A rewatch of this show would likely be very engaging as you notice countless small details, hints, & foreshadowing
Please make the essay about Albie and the male gaze! (if you haven't already this is the first video I've seen of yours, which is great btw!) I though the show perfectly encapsulates men with a 'white knight' mentality
Might do... It's in the back burner.
I find the show so fascinating, the first season however I find even better than the second. Anyone else?
You hit the nail on the head, and I can't wait for more of your content on the show. I also like how you tie in different shows, quotes etc. in your analysis. Subscribed!
Thank you very much for the kind words! I personally prefer season two, but I think they are stylistically very different, so it’s not a up to quality, more preference. Season one definitely sets up that unique White Lotus atmosphere.
Most people I ask like season 2 better but I like season 1 best
I can relate more to season 1, season 2 was more in your face with the wealth and in season 1 the wealth and class issue was more clear. Were as season 2 was not as personable and I can't say I could relate to Harper. Maybe the Italian girls afterall.
I liked S1 a little better, but not to S2's fault. I just liked the actors and characters better in S1. Personally i found the two couples obnoxious af in S2, and whenever they were onscreen i was bothered. Meanwhile I liked every single storyline and character in S1.
I’d love to see your male gaze in the white lotus video
Thank you so much. Might make another one sometime then...
@@lookasidefilms66149 months later and please do! Still very much interested
Immediately suscribed the moment I finished the video! Absolutely incredible job man, I can't wait to see more of what you do!
Thank you very much. Really appreciate it!
same here
Incredible video essay!! This is so so spot on how the series plays with perspective! I got that sense while watching it but I couldn't really put it into words ^_^ so cool. I'm definitely gonna subscribe
i clicked on the video thinking that it would be talking about the 'white lotus' character "trait" as seen in (primarily but not only) in chinese literature - took me a few minutes to realize this was about a show and not white lotus characters specifically ahahah
Amazing! Although I had so much to say and think about the show, the question perspective had never occured to me. Incredible analysis, Incredible video.
Thank you very much!
I fucking cried watching this thank you so much and please keep posting these.
That's super sweet! Of course, you're welcome, and will do! :)
I see you have a young channel with 497 subscribers (at my time of viewing). I'll see you at 100,000 subscribers. I love your content.
Wow! This definitely means a lot - thank you so much for the kinds words, and hopefully, one day we'll get there!
Great analysis.
Gosh… this was really thoughtful & interesting & enlightening!
Thank you!
This was such an awesome look at it! Very cool
Thank you very much!
how is this beauty of a channel has not gotten viral
Thank you so much for this comment!
Great analysis! really made me think and i´ve been seeing it the same way
Beautifully written piece. Keep going.
New sub.
Thank you very much!
Love this vid
Amazing!
Thank you!
What a video man! That's great! (but please turn on the subtitles 🙏)
Thank you for the kind words! And thanks for the feedback - will 100% look into it for the next essay.
Really creative editing in this video, I enjoyed it.
Great video. It's wild to me how few views this has.
Thank you very much!
Subscribed! Great video!
Great video! Can’t believe you have less than 500 subscribers.
Thank you! Getting there - we were at 100 when this was posted!
sooooooo good!!!
Thank you so much!
Well done! As we were watching it (I think it was the 1st season though) my wife mentioned something about perspective that I thought you were going to bring up. Every time there is a sex scene they would show it from outside a window or something that like to make it seem very voyeuristic
That's a great point! Hadn't thought of that, thanks for the insight!
absolutely love this video!! such a great take and makes me love The White Lotus even more! :)
Thank you very much! Really appreciate the kind words.
This was really well done!
Thank you!
Great video and I think you finished with a nice message. New subscriber here!
Thank you!
Great video essay!! You're talented!
Thank you very much!
i loved this video but can you put subtitles?
Have to do one for Beef !!!
Putting it on the list...
Without wanting to cause an uproar I find comments on all issues up for grapes.
Well Done Sir 👏 Bravo to Mike White & Yours' talent.
Thank you very much - not quite there with Mike White yet, but maybe one day!
a person without flaws is boring. (All Quiet on the Western Front 1979) Our life from an objective point of view is also boring, but for ourselves it is like an adventure of joy and sorrow
Great content!! Keep going!!
Thank you!
aww i love the ending!! fr let’s not ruin the vibe trying to figure it out, sometimes observing is just enough (hehe but regardless i loved the essay u did great!!)
Thank you very much! :)
Do more video essays. Asap!
Tomorrow - on 'The Idol'!
who was the atlanta creator whose tweet you quoted?
Hi! I don't remember unfortunately, and I couldn't find the tweet itself. I know it wasn't Donald Glover or Hiro Murai - if that's of any help!
No worries, keep talking
Are you the same guy that used to make drag race content named "U"
So the second season of White Lotus lol. Let the inaccuracies begin.
Watched 2 episodes and couldn’t watch any more. The style just didn’t work for me. Each episode felt 3 hours long
i loved this video but can you put subtitles?
Got it. Thanks for the feedback. Will aim for subtitles on the third one.