‘The White Lotus’ Star Christian Friedel on Shedding the Intensity of ‘The Zone of Interest’ to Become Fabian, an Awkward Aspiring ‘Diva’

Previously, Christian Friedel was portraying Rudolph Höss, a senior Nazi officer who oversaw Auschwitz concentration camp as its commandant. His character didn’t undergo significant physical changes in that role. However, when we first encounter him in Season 3 of “The White Lotus,” he has metamorphosed into the mostly charmingly anxious resort manager Fabian, leaving behind the chilling aura of his previous character.

Upon encountering Fabian, we find him struggling to conceal his growing anxiety as he waits for White Lotus owner Sritala (Lek Patravadi) to finish getting ready, with the imminent arrival of their latest visitors. His compliments are excessive when they finally touch ground, but in an instant, he switches to stern reprimands towards his employees – a rhythm that Friedel found refreshing after acting in Jonathan Glazer’s Academy Award-winning Holocaust drama.

From Germany, Friedel joined a Zoom call with EbMaster to explore the complex and tormented mind of Fabian.

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In Germany, Friedel connected with EbMaster via Zoom for an in-depth analysis of Fabian’s sweet yet troubled psychology.

For many viewers, especially in the U.S., “The White Lotus” is the first time we’re seeing you since “The Zone of Interest.” How has your life changed since that film and its Oscar run?

Among all the projects I’ve undertaken, this one holds a special place in my heart, not just as an actor, but also as a person. It offered me valuable lessons and insights that transcend my professional life. Being able to contribute to its global promotion, including in the United States, was a priceless experience. Indeed, times are changing, and so is recognition. Reflecting on my journey from my initial filming days in Thailand to the Academy Awards feels surreal now, a year later.

I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of an exceptional series like “The White Lotus.” After the emotionally taxing experience of “The Zone of Interest,” I sought a contrast, a shift from darkness to light, and from a serious role to a more comedic one. This was my first project entirely in English, which presented both challenges and opportunities. Working alongside such an accomplished cast, crew, and director, Mike White, made this experience even more rewarding.

How was the transition from playing your “Zone of Interest” character to this one? Fabian is definitely comedic, but it seems there’s some darkness inside him too.

Indeed, that aligns with reality. The individual is quite distant from his familiar surroundings as he embarks on a quest for spiritual enlightenment. He seems to believe himself immersed in the heart of things, and everything appears to be in order, yet beneath the surface, there’s a whirlwind of turmoil brewing. He’s tense. There are several mysteries surrounding him. The charm and humor that Mike has infused into this character’s smaller moments are captivating. Working on these scenes was a breath of fresh air, quite distinct from the heavy labor involved in “The Zone of Interest.” My character in “The Zone of Interest” conceals something, but we’re aware of his past. With Fabian, however, there’s a lot of imagination woven into his persona. We have a sketchy tale about him. In Episode 7, Mike bestowed upon me an exceptional gift. I can’t disclose what it is, but let me say this: it encapsulates the classic German melancholic essence.

What did you know about the role before you were cast, and what attracted you to it?

As a movie enthusiast, I initially found myself puzzled in the early scenes, but the tantalizing enigma of the character left me intrigued. Director Mike, known for his subtle tweaks based on actor chemistry, decided to delve deeper into Fabian’s backstory. Fabian admires his superior as a mentor and role model – Sritala is his idol. In the initial drafts, Fabian was merely a professional, but now there’s a spark of aspiration within him, adding depth to his character development.

So you think he’s really into the wellness stuff?

In my critique, I found that the protagonist, Mike, harbors a distinctly German melancholic essence within him. This desire for greatness is palpable as he aspires to excel as a competent general manager. The pursuit of perfection is evident in his interactions, subtly adjusting his demeanor when speaking with guests versus staff. Whether this suggests a dual nature or simply a strategic approach, the man’s ambition is undeniably profound.

Of all the guests, he’s obviously most interested in Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan) and her friends, since she’s a famous actress. What’s going through his head when he’s talking to that group and they encourage him to perform at dinner along with the rest of his staff?

It seems to me that the three girls might be encouraging him to pursue his dream. He holds these women in high regard, and there’s a possibility he has feelings for one or more of them – we’re unsure though! They casually suggested he sing, but something is shifting within him. The instant I see him miming to Sritala’s song is priceless; Mike encourages a lot of freedom for spontaneity. It can be challenging to maintain a professional demeanor and attend to the public while keeping personal matters private, and this could be a new step in that regard.

How much time do you think he spends on his music?

He spends a considerable amount of time, mostly within his secluded space. There’s a moment in the music that I find quite captivating. This character seems peculiar, leading us to wonder about the source and quality of his musical abilities. What is he seeking? What secrets does he harbor deep within himself? It appears that when he’s at home, he might be composing music throughout the day, aspiring in some way to emulate Sritala, this diva. Her mystique has him spellbound, yet he lacks the confidence to approach such a level. However, there’s a chance he possesses talent; perhaps he doesn’t. Only time will tell.

Are there any other memories that stick out for you about your time on “The White Lotus”?

Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend the premiere in Los Angeles, but I look forward to catching up with everyone. On a more positive note, Lek, who portrays Sritala, dropped by and watched a play here in Dresden where I was performing as Macbeth. Additionally, Jon Gries and Jason Isaacs attended one of our performances. I also had the privilege of acting as Hamlet during another show, all while accompanied by my band, Woods of Birnam.

In essence, I missed a premiere but managed to enjoy some theater experiences with special guests and my band here in Dresden.

In Thailand, we formed a close-knit group, reminiscent of family. Each day, we followed traditions. The setting sun and the vast ocean never failed to captivate us, while shared dinners brought us closer together. One particularly memorable evening was our karaoke session. I sang alongside Natasha Rothwell, and our voices harmonized beautifully on “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” We all felt privileged to be part of this extraordinary experience.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

2025-02-24 06:16