Jesse Armstrong Explores Empathy for Wealthy Characters in Mountainhead
Jesse Armstrong didn’t plan on diving back into the world of billionaires so soon after finishing up his hit HBO series Succession. But a deep dive into podcasts featuring tech elites sparked his inspiration to create his first feature film, Mountainhead, which delves into the lives of three tech billionaires and their less wealthy friend.
The movie, set to stream on HBO starting May 31, stars Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, Cory Michael Smith, and Ramy Youssef as the four friends who embark on a mountain retreat filled with power struggles and delusions of grandeur. Despite their insistence on a weekend free from deals, meals, and high heels, their plans to take over the world come to the forefront as the retreat progresses.
Shot in just a few weeks amidst Elon Musk’s DOGE mission and President Donald Trump’s second term in office, Mountainhead captures the essence of the tech elite world with its mix of arrogance and power. Armstrong, the writer and director, admits that while some may question why we should care about these “rich assholes,” he sees a sense of responsibility and struggle among those navigating the tech industry.
With themes of transhumanism and the fear of death woven into the characters’ motivations, Mountainhead explores the complexities of immense wealth and power in the tech world. The film ends on an ambiguous note, leaving the fate of the world in the hands of these four men.
Despite the dark undertones, Mountainhead provides a satirical look at the challenges faced by those in the tech industry, offering a glimpse into the minds of those with unimaginable wealth and influence. So mark your calendars for May 31 and get ready to dive into the world of Mountainhead on HBO streaming.
