The HBO series, The White Lotus, has been a huge hit for the network across its three seasons. Created by Mike White, the satirical comedy has continuously poked at social issues and disparity. A consistent theme of the impact of elitism in and around luxury service industries has popped up in every season. But this new season could be doubling down on this in an interesting way. It’s setting its events during the Cannes Film Festival.
The Significance of Cannes
We don’t have a lot of plot details for this upcoming season yet. We do know, from reports, that it’s set over the course of a week, with people continuing to get murdered at the White Lotus hotel chain. Sometimes the industry of television and film production takes a mirror to itself. Could this be what’s happening here?
The Cannes Film Festival represents a huge moment for cinema each year. It’s arguably the biggest and most high-profile event of the year. Arguably, it’s also the most pretentious. It’s invitation only and has become known for its ludicrous standing ovations. No film deserves a standing ovation of 20-something minutes, but it’s happened here in routine fashion.
Being held in Cannes, France, doesn’t do it any favors either. Though it’s a stereotype, the idea of the French being snooty elites has lingered over the country for decades. What could be more exquisitely and artistically excessive than an invitation-only French film festival? Maybe that’s what The White Lotus will highlight this season.
The Two Hotels
Reports have yet to indicate whether or not the season will actually be filmed during the Cannes Festival this year. It runs from May 12 to May 23. We do know, though, that it will take place across two French hotels. We’ll see the White Lotus du Cap and the White Lotus Cannes.
We look forward to seeing if the Cannes Film Festival will play a more direct role in the upcoming season. We’ll keep you updated.
