When Paul Eskenazi, a location manager for the latest film “Mountainhead
” by Jesse Armstrong, embarked on a quest to find the perfect house for portraying ultrarich tech bros, he sought a unique level of extravagance. Unlike flashy displays of wealth, this satire demanded a subtle opulence that whispered rather than shouted.
In the realm of the ultra-rich depicted in “
Mountainhead,
” it’s not just about private jets and massive homes. The focus is on understated luxury and the intricate hierarchies within the top 1%. As Eskenazi aptly put it, there’s a significant difference between owning a Gulfstream G450 versus a Gulfstream G700—a distinction only insiders truly comprehend.
“
It’s about not just private jets and sprawling homes, but the quiet hierarchies within the top 1 per cent.
”
The lavish 2000-square-meter ski chalet nestled in Deer Valley, Utah, became the backdrop for this cinematic exploration of extreme affluence. Its discreet grandeur slowly unfolds—revealing features like a private gondola offering exclusive access to a nearby ski resort. This setting epitomizes an exclusive luxury that speaks volumes without uttering a word.
“
There’s a kind of quiet wealthy embedded in that location that doesn’t necessarily scream at you.
”
Within Mountainhead’s narrative lies an intriguing tale of four tech billionaire friends confronting personal dilemmas amid global turmoil. Each character embodies different facets of wealth—from groundbreaking inventions to philosophical ponderings—all against the backdrop of impending chaos.
Eskenazi highlighted how Armstrong aimed for isolation and intimacy over ostentation when selecting this remote mansion as the film’s central stage. In contrast to media-mogul opulence showcased in productions like “
Succession,
” Mountainhead delves into seclusion and privacy as ultimate luxuries—a retreat from the glitzy limelight.
“
With Mountainhead, it was more about isolation and privacy than prestige.”
The meticulous selection process involved scouting various locations until stumbling upon this secluded gem in Deer Valley—an ideal blend of grandeur and solitude set against icy landscapes. The crew transformed it into an intimate yet imposing space resonating with history and enigma—perfectly mirroring Hugo’s desperate attempts at validation amidst his affluent peers.
“The house needed to be remote and imposing…a place that could hold both grandeur and silence.”
From faux-stone veneers masking bare walls to carefully curated art pieces symbolizing status struggles among characters, every detail contributed to painting a picture of extravagant entrapment within these luxurious walls. Damien Hirst’s artwork titled “Beautiful Bleeding Wound over the Materialism of Money Painting” added an ironic touch highlighting wealth’s superficiality amid societal collapse.
“The house didn’t just support the story; It became part of it.”
As viewers immerse themselves in Mountainhead’s world through these rich tapestries woven with subtlety and sophistication, they are invited to ponder not just extravagance but also solitude in abundance—the true essence of ultrawealth captured within these palatial confines—from infinity pools overlooking majestic vistas to intimate corners shrouded in opulent silence.
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