Jesse Armstrong’s Latest Venture: "Mountainhead" Explores the World of Tech Billionaires
In a surprising turn of events, Jesse Armstrong, the acclaimed creator of HBO’s "Succession," has returned to the screen with a new project focused on the high-stakes world of billionaires. After concluding the Emmy-winning series in May 2023, Armstrong initially intended to take a break from crafting narratives about the ultra-wealthy. However, inspiration struck while reviewing journalist Michael Lewis’ book, Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon, which chronicles the downfall of crypto fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried.
From Break to Inspiration: The Birth of "Mountainhead"
While immersing himself in podcasts featuring prominent tech figures, Armstrong found himself compelled to explore the dynamics of wealth and power in his first feature film, Mountainhead. This film centers on three tech moguls and their less affluent yet deeply insecure friend, all of whom navigate a landscape fraught with power and privilege.
“I couldn’t shake the ‘tech voice’ out of my head,” Armstrong remarked, describing it as characterized by “supreme confidence in their analytical abilities” overshadowed by “arrogance.” His portrayal of these billionaires leans into their excessive self-confidence and often starkly delusional interactions.
A Synopsis of "Mountainhead"
Set against a backdrop of wealth and excess, Mountainhead features an impressive cast, including:
- Steve Carell as Randall, a venture capitalist navigating the complexities of wealth.
- Jason Schwartzman as Hugo Van Yalk (nicknamed “Souper”), whose financial struggles contrast sharply with his billionaire friends.
- Cory Michael Smith as Venis, a figure reminiscent of tech icons like Zuckerberg and Musk, pushing the boundaries of reality with hyperrealistic deepfakes.
- Ramy Youssef as Jeff, who seeks profit through AI that aims to mitigate chaos in the tech world.
The narrative follows these friends during a mountain retreat hosted by Souper, who attempts to impress his peers with lavish food and decor, ultimately meeting their scorn. The retreat is governed by their quirky mantra: “no deals, no meals, no high heels.” However, their seemingly carefree activities, such as snowmobiling and writing their net worths on their bodies with lipstick, soon devolve into schemes for global domination.
Rapid Production and Challenges
Mountainhead was produced in a remarkably short timeframe, reflecting the frenetic pace of contemporary tech culture. Filming took place over several weeks in the spring, coinciding with the latter part of Donald Trump’s presidency, which saw significant media attention on figures like Elon Musk and his ventures.
According to Carell, the accelerated production timeline fostered an environment of instinctual creativity. Schwartzman, however, noted the challenges of adapting to the “tech voice” that Armstrong envisioned. “If you want us to say something extra, do you have a glossary or a dictionary?” Schwartzman humorously asked, highlighting the linguistic complexity involved.
A Reflection on Wealth and Responsibility
Although some may question the relevance of a narrative centered on affluent characters, Armstrong refrains from harsh judgment. He acknowledges the multifaceted nature of tech moguls, expressing a degree of empathy for individuals grappling with the implications of technological advancements. “It is a bit of a hall of mirrors,” Armstrong stated. “Many enter the tech domain, particularly AI, with a genuine sense of responsibility and awareness of the technology’s power.”
Conclusion
Mountainhead is set to begin streaming on HBO on May 31, 2023. As Armstrong delves into the worlds of tech billionaires, audiences can anticipate a blend of humor, satire, and critical reflection on modern society’s fixation with wealth and influence.
