"The Idol" Unveiled: Sam Levinson Explores Lily-Rose Depp's Stellar Debut and HBO's Critical Eye on Celebrity Culture
On Sunday, HBO premiered the first episode of a daring new series by the acclaimed creator of "Euphoria," Sam Levinson.
Image source:instagram/ lilyrose_depp/
The premiere episode, titled "Pop Tarts & Rat Tails," introduces viewers to Lily-Rose Depp's character, Jocelyn, a renowned global superstar poised for a remarkable comeback after enduring a harrowing nervous breakdown.
"In the very first shot of the show, you immediately grasp Jocelyn's exceptional talent as a performer," Levinson expressed while discussing the series. "She can effortlessly evoke laughter and shed tears on command. You witness how skilled she is at manipulating our emotions. What's truly remarkable about Lily's performance is that despite being upfront about it, she manages to deceive the audience effortlessly."
Image source:instagram/ lilyrose_depp/
The camera then pulls back to reveal that this is a photoshoot for Jocelyn's upcoming album. As she lies on a table, adorned only in a seductive red silk robe inspired by a Slim Aarons photograph of Marilyn Monroe, an intimacy coordinator rushes to ensure she adheres to her nudity guidelines. Jocelyn tries to explain her comfort with baring more of her body, sparking a heated argument primarily among the men present, debating the appropriateness of her open robe in the photos.
Image source:instagram/ lilyrose_depp/
As the episode unfolds, it becomes evident that numerous individuals are making decisions for Jocelyn, often without her involvement. From her assistant to the music label and a plethora of publicists, Jocelyn is frequently left in the dark about details concerning her own life. That is until she encounters Tedros (played by Abel Tesfaye, known as The Weeknd), a nightclub impresario with a complicated past.
"Jocelyn is a pop star perpetually surrounded by individuals she's uncertain she can trust," Depp remarked in the same segment, adding that Tedros "offers her a sense of freedom she hasn't experienced in a long while."
While Jocelyn feels an immediate connection with Tedros, his motives remain unclear.
Image source:instagram/ lilyrose_depp/
"When Tedros enters the picture, you can sense his burning desire to be taken seriously. He strives to be suave... yet there's an allure about him that attracts Jocelyn," Levinson elaborated.
A preview of upcoming episodes hints at Tedros gaining significant influence over Jocelyn, leading her to distance herself from her entourage as their bond deepens.
During the post-episode segment, Levinson revealed that he and Tesfaye began conceptualizing "The Visionary" shortly after completing production on Season 2 of "Euphoria." He explained that the series ultimately revolves around "an artist feeling trapped, burdened by societal expectations, and seeking to discover her true identity and artistic voice."
"The show's cinematic approach draws inspiration from reality television, as that is how we typically perceive celebrities," Levinson shared. "Part of the essence of this series is to instill a healthy dose of skepticism towards the idols we often unquestioningly adore."
