Sam Rockwell Shoots White Lotus Season 3 Monologue in One Take

Sam Rockwell delivered an iconic and provocative monologue as Frank in The White Lotus Season 3, exploring themes of sex, spirituality, gender, and racial identity through a darkly comedic and philosophical speech. The monologue, which reveals Frank’s journey of self-discovery in Thailand and his complex feelings about identity, was filmed in a single take, highlighting Rockwell's skilled performance and the rawness of the scene. Rockwell collaborated with showrunner Mike White, pitching ideas such as Frank’s shaved head, tattoo, and scars, some of which were incorporated into the character. In an interview on Dax Shepard's podcast, Rockwell shared that despite the monologue's complexity, he nailed it on the first take without needing an earwig, emphasizing White’s talent as a writer. The scene's impact is enhanced by Walton Goggins' stunned reactions, making it both uncomfortable and mesmerizing for viewers. Rockwell, known for being selective with roles, found this cameo particularly memorable and credited his wife Leslie Bibb for helping him prepare.