How Jesse Armstrong Conquered ‘Mountainhead’: Inside the Lightning-Fast Creation of His Tech-Bro Satire in Just Six Months

In late November, right after the election, Jesse Armstrong felt drawn back to the world of the very wealthy. Just two years after his hit series “Succession” wrapped up, he found inspiration while reviewing a book about crypto figure Sam Bankman-Fried. Armstrong began exploring the fascinating and often funny lives of tech billionaires.

He explains, “People are tricky to capture until I hear their voices.” Many tech leaders share their thoughts on podcasts, making it easier for him to grasp their speaking styles.

To cleanse his mind of these voices, Armstrong created a new concept for “Mountainhead,” a film about four billionaire friends who decide to play poker for a weekend just as a new AI product disrupts the world outside. He pitched the idea to Casey Bloys at HBO, and within months, a talented cast, including Steve Carell, was on board. They started shooting in Park City, Utah, within just six months of Armstrong’s initial pitch.

Armstrong’s quick turnaround is notable, especially when considering the chaotic nature of Hollywood. He aimed to mirror the immediacy of Silicon Valley and the fast-paced current events affecting society. “I wanted the audience to feel like they’re part of the conversation happening right now,” he said.

“Mountainhead” tackles complicated themes about power and responsibility in today’s world. According to a 2023 study from the Pew Research Center, nearly 75% of Americans express concern about the influence of technology on society, a sentiment reflected in the movie’s narrative.

Frank Rich, an executive producer, expressed the project’s relevance: “These powerful characters impact America at a tumultuous time.” However, Armstrong felt uncertain about how much the political landscape, like a possible second Trump term, influenced the film’s urgency. “The rise of AI and social media’s grip on our lives would have spurred me regardless,” he remarked.

The journey to complete “Mountainhead” was intense. Filming started even without a finalized script. For many cast and crew members, like Carell and Jason Schwartzman, the rapid pace was both thrilling and challenging. Schwartzman noted he loved how collaborative and spontaneous the whole experience felt, with no time for overthinking.

As filming progressed, the production team faced the challenge of finding the perfect location. They settled on an extravagant mountain house that eventually became a central character in the story. During the search, Armstrong relied on his team to guide him through choices, even when he couldn’t visit every potential location himself.

When shooting began, they adopted a unique filming style, reminiscent of “Succession,” allowing scenes to unfold in real-time. This approach created a sense of urgency but also showcased the actors’ talents as they navigated elaborate dialogue on complex tech topics.

The film, which runs just under two hours, has been described as having a light-speed approach to storytelling. Reviews hint at it being both a critique and exploration of wealth in today’s digital age.

In a world where tech moguls shape society, Armstrong believes that capturing their voices on screen can lead to meaningful conversations. As fans eagerly await the premiere, there’s anticipation about how “Mountainhead” will resonate within the context of today’s evolving digital landscape.



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