Murray Bartlett has a smile that lights up any room, and even on a Zoom call, it’s impossible not to be reminded of his standout performance as Armond, the charming yet troubled resort manager in The White Lotus. Despite all his mounting personal issues, Armond’s winning personal charm made him one of the most memorable characters in the first season. Now, Bartlett is back in the limelight with his latest project, Opus, a film that takes eccentricity and boundary-pushing to new heights.
In Opus, Bartlett shares a scene with the legendary John Malkovich, who gives him a lap dance. It’s one of the many strange and unexpected moments in a film that blends elements of Midsommar and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, while also adding the unpredictability of The Substance and shaking it all up into a glittering musical.
“I mean, extraordinary,” Bartlett laughs when recalling the scene, “The lack of boundaries in some of those moments is fun as an actor.” And indeed, Opus is a wild ride from start to finish. Bartlett plays a magazine editor, accompanying a journalist, played by Ayo Edebiri, to a remote New Mexico compound owned by legendary pop star Moretti, played by Malkovich. Moretti is hosting a listening party for his new music, but things quickly take a dark turn when it becomes clear that Moretti’s fanbase isn’t just devoted—it’s part of an actual cult.
“It’s a wild ride,” Bartlett says of the film. “When I read it, it was unexpected. I didn’t see it going where it was going. What I love about it is it’s a fun ride, but it’s got weighty themes about celebrity and power. You don’t know if it’s funny or horrific, and sometimes it’s both.”
Bartlett’s character is a powerful figure in the music world, a patronising and misogynistic archetype that is not far removed from real-life figures in the industry. “I play a top dog at a music magazine, not based on Rolling Stone’s Jann Wenner, but that kind of archetype,” he explains. “A white man at the top of the music industry world who feels ownership and a lot of entitlement. But there’s something gross there.”
His character’s problematic qualities are in stark contrast to Edebiri’s role, with whom he shares excellent on-screen chemistry. “Ayo has incredible timing and intelligence as an actor,” Bartlett says. “With all the success she’s had, it hasn’t chipped away at her authenticity. We had a lot of fun working together.”
Off-screen, Edebiri’s talents extend beyond acting. Bartlett fondly recalls the Thanksgiving dinner she cooked for the cast and crew. “She’s an amazing cook,” he says with a grin. “Who knew? The woman can act, and she can cook a mean turkey.” Even better, their dinners out together often turned into impromptu moments of inspiration. “When she walks into a restaurant, you see the kitchens losing their minds. We went to this great restaurant in Santa Fe, and someone from the kitchen came out to thank her. It’s beautiful to see how she inspires people.”
Filming Opus in New Mexico was a whirlwind experience for Bartlett. He was reunited with Welcome to Chippendales co-star Juliette Lewis and had the opportunity to witness Malkovich’s extraordinary performance. “John Malkovich is an extraordinary actor and a wonderful human,” Bartlett says. “It was a delight to see him work. I remember the first day on set—he had this huge speech, and the first take just nailed it. He had us all laughing. It was mesmerising.”
The film also explores darker themes surrounding celebrity and power. Moretti, the pop star, is not just a beloved figure—he wields his power to extremes, including indulging in ritualistic practices. “We deify celebrities and people in power in ways that are fascinating and scary,” Bartlett reflects. “We justify what they get away with because they’re in that position. It’s something we really need to look at. Why do we allow it? And what does it do to the people in power?”
Bartlett is currently at a point in his career where he enjoys flexibility and choices, without the pressure of full-blown superstardom. “It’s overwhelming and exciting,” he admits. “The attention swings towards you, and it’s amazing. But also, there’s a lot of self-reflection.”
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His journey into acting, however, was far from predictable. Originally from Australia, Bartlett didn’t envision a career in entertainment until a series of childhood accidents—one involving his brother accidentally knocking out his baby teeth with a hammer—led him to develop a love for speech therapy and drama. “I guess I have to give thanks to my brother and a certain hammer,” he jokes.
His breakthrough role in The White Lotus marked a turning point in his career, earning him an Emmy and solidifying his place as one of the industry’s most talented performers. “Mike White is a genius,” Bartlett says, reflecting on his time working on the show. “The way he observes human nature and puts it into characters is thrilling.”
The success of The White Lotus quickly changed Bartlett’s life. “It shifted things pretty quickly,” he says. “Suddenly, I had choices and interest in me. I’d never had that experience before.” However, Bartlett remains grounded, enjoying life as a fan of the show’s new seasons while embracing new opportunities that continue to come his way.
Next up for Bartlett is a dark retelling of the Robin Hood story titled The Death of Robin Hood, which he’s currently filming in England. “We’re out in the countryside a lot. It’s beautiful,” he says, hinting at the new chapter in his already exciting career.
