The White Lotus & The Power of Perspective

Written by Mickey Angelov.

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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

[panagiotisatmatzidis]

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.

[violaalbright]

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

[Saigeee]

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.

[TayoBiz]

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.

[carollira]

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!

[lordelmlmeen]

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.

[laurenreynolds]

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

[masonthurman]

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

[oc]

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.

[Whippets]

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.

[muvhusiningimmbara]

I adore this show and this video is well done, especially the music and analysis

[theorderofthebees]

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; :)

[ethanhawkins]

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

[Liette]

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

[colemurray]

I’d love to see your male gaze in the white lotus video

[alyaarady]

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!

[shanouboubou]

Immediately suscribed the moment I finished the video! Absolutely incredible job man, I can't wait to see more of what you do!

[happygucci]

Beautifully written piece. Keep going.
New sub.

[nietzschesmustache]

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.

[DarkPrincessOfLight]

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