Inside the Park City Mansion: A Character of Its Own in "Mountainhead"
When it comes to real estate, the mantra remains the same—location, location, location. But this adage transcends mere property value and seamlessly slips into filmmaking, as evident in the thrilling new dark comedy, "Mountainhead," which was shot against the breathtaking backdrop of Park City, Utah.
A Glimpse into "Mountainhead"
Debuting Saturday on HBO (streaming soon on Max), "Mountainhead" dives into the lives of four tech moguls—three multibillionaires and their half-billionaire host—during what is supposed to be a lavish weekend retreat. However, the festivities take a chaotic turn with the arrival of news of global unrest, fueled by misinformation from the very social media platform owned by the wealthiest among them, Venis, played by Cory Michael Smith.
As the tensions rise, we are presented with a satirical look at privilege and accountability, a theme reminiscent of "Succession," the brainchild of writer-director Jesse Armstrong.
The House as a Central Character
At the heart of "Mountainhead" lies Souper’s extravagant mansion—nicknamed "Mountainhead." This architectural marvel, located at 3566 W. Crestwood Court in the elite Deer Crest neighborhood, made headlines last fall for its staggering $65 million price tag, a record for single-family homes in Utah (Salt Lake Tribune).
Features that Defy Imagination
Spanning 21,000 square feet, Mountainhead boasts jaw-dropping amenities like an NBA-regulation basketball court, a two-lane bowling alley, and a two-story climbing wall. While the film showcases much of these features, it intriguingly glosses over perhaps its most luxurious amenity—a private ski gondola.
During interviews, both Schwartzman and Smith emphasized that the house itself is a character in the film. Its opulence plays a pivotal role in Armstrong’s exploration of the super-rich, a topic that resonated throughout four Emmy-winning seasons of "Succession."
Park City: An Apocalyptic Retreat
When asked why Park City serves as an ideal setting for the tumultuous narrative, the actors didn’t hold back.
Cory Michael Smith remarked on the charming nature of Park City, while Steve Carell, a long-time visitor, chimed in with fond memories of teaching his children to ski there, praising its serene surroundings.
The heights of the house seem to mirror the escalating stakes in the film, as Ramy Youssef articulated: "The sheer altitude reflects the luxury isolationism and the far-reaching consequences of the tech moguls’ decisions."
Navigating the Mansion’s Complex Design
Stepping into the sprawling mansion was an experience in itself.
Jason Schwartzman was immediately intrigued by the house’s labyrinthine layout, noting its multiple entrances and disorienting structure: "There are so many main parts." Youssef echoed this sentiment, humorously pointing out some "questionable design choices," while Smith focused on the overwhelming recreational spaces designed to keep inhabitants in a constant state of leisure—basketball courts, climbing walls, and bowling alleys—all contributing to a surreal, isolated luxury.
Youssef poignantly observed the dichotomy of being nestled in nature while surrounded by the pinnacle of human engineering: "Despite its opulence, it’s so connected to the stunning landscape."
Influencing Character Dynamics
The ambiance of Mountainhead significantly shaped the actors’ performances.
Steve Carell shared insights into his character’s indifference towards material wealth, emphasizing that such excess becomes banal to the super-rich. Smith added, "As the wealthiest man in the world, you’re just constantly in impressive environments, so you become numb to being wowed." Carell noted a feeling of isolation in the house, likening it to a protective fortress mirroring the disconnection of his character from the world outside.
As Schwartzman mused, Mountainhead feels like the only home atop the mountain, a haunting vista that becomes increasingly critical as the film progresses. The sheer scale and design of the mansion offered multitude filming locations, enriching the narrative through varied atmospheres.
The Closing Thoughts
"Mountainhead" is not just a film about tech billionaires grappling with their moral failings amid crises; it’s an exploration of the interplay between environment and character, enhanced by Mountainhead’s stunning magnitude. As the story unfolds within its walls, the mansion transcends mere backdrop—becoming a potent symbol of excess and isolation.
In the words of the cast, if this mansion isn’t a character—what truly is?
For a deeper dive into this enticing film, don’t miss its premiere on HBO this Saturday!
