Jesse Armstrong: Why I'm writing about rich people again

Jesse Armstrong: Why I'm writing about rich people again

In a departure from his acclaimed series “Succession,” renowned UK screenwriter Jesse Armstrong is exploring the lives of the wealthy once again. Following the immense success of “Succession,” Armstrong has turned his attention to his first feature-length film, “Mountainhead.” The film centers around four tech billionaires who retreat to a mountain resort, only to find themselves and their social media empires under scrutiny amid global social unrest.

Speaking at the Hay Festival, Armstrong addressed the recurring theme of wealthy characters in his work, emphasizing his interest in power dynamics rather than sheer wealth. With a cast including Steve Carrell and Ramy Youssef, “Mountainhead” was produced swiftly, from pitch to screen in a matter of months, capturing the rapid pace of technological advancements and society’s struggle to keep up.

The inspiration for “Mountainhead” came from Armstrong’s immersion in tech culture, influenced by podcasts featuring prominent figures like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. He delved into this world, aiming to accurately capture the language and atmosphere of the tech industry. Despite his comedic roots and reputation for dark humor, Armstrong views himself primarily as a comedy writer rather than a storyteller, focusing on engaging audiences through compelling narratives.

Unlike some showrunners who transition to directing, Armstrong opted not to direct episodes of “Succession,” recognizing the expertise of those involved in the series. Despite his impressive track record and numerous awards for “Succession,” Armstrong remains humble and openly admits to being more reserved and accommodating rather than confrontational. “Mountainhead” is set to premiere on HBO and Max on May 31st.

Overall, Armstrong’s foray into the world of tech billionaires promises to deliver a sharp, insightful commentary on power dynamics and societal anxieties in the digital age, all while showcasing his signature blend of dark humor and compelling storytelling

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More