Critics at Large | The New Yorker
Episode: “Mountainhead” and the Age of the Pathetic Billionaire
Release Date: June 5, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of Critics at Large, hosts Vincent Cunningham, Alex Schwartz, and Nomi Frye delve into the cultural fascination with billionaires, both fictional and real. They explore how contemporary media portray the ultra-wealthy and examine the implications of these depictions in today's society.

Overview of "Mountainhead"

Mountainhead, a newly released film on HBO Max, serves as the centerpiece of this discussion. Written and directed by Jesse Armstrong, renowned for creating Succession, the movie features an ensemble cast including Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, Cory Michael Smith, and Rami Youssef.

Vincent Cunningham provides a synopsis:

"[06:00] Mountainhead is about a group of billionaire friends who are holed up in a house on top of a mountain in Utah, beautifully depicted through the lens of a bunker-like structure. The plot centers around the aftermath of a software update released by Cory Michael Smith’s character, which unleashes advanced AI tools leading to rampant false news and global unrest."

Production Insights

The rapid development of Mountainhead is highlighted as a strategic move to capture the immediacy of current events. Nomi Frye remarks:

"[08:40] Armstrong pitched the idea to HBO in November 2024, wrote the script by February, cast the actors, and completed filming by April, releasing the movie on May 31. This swift production was intentional to ensure the film resonated with the present moment, reflecting narratives that were unfolding in real-time."

Panel's Reactions to "Mountainhead"

Nomi Frye shares a personal reaction:

"[14:04] I felt extremely depressed watching it in a way that surprised me. The situation depicted is so contemporary and raw that the humor felt unsettling."

Alex Schwartz offers a contrasting view:

"[15:19] I did not find it particularly great but appreciated its existence. It effectively portrays the disconnect between billionaires and the broader society, though it didn’t provide new insights into our dependency on their whims."

Vincent Cunningham echoes the sentiment of unease:

"[16:58] I was totally bummed out by this. The portrayal of billionaires as detached and irresponsible feels deeply unsettling."

The Archetype of the Billionaire in Art and Culture

The discussion transitions to the long-standing fascination with billionaires in art. Vincent Cunningham explains:

"[21:00] Art mirrors reality, and in a society where wealth dictates much of the societal dynamics, artistic representations of billionaires are inevitable. Historically, figures like the oil tycoon in There Will Be Blood symbolize the relentless pursuit of wealth and power."

Alex Schwartz adds:

"[22:14] Billionaires embody both the allure of immense wealth and the associated power dynamics. Shows like Succession capture this duality by portraying the opulence and the underlying cruelty of the ultra-rich."

The Emergence of the 'Pathetic Billionaire'

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the concept of the "pathetic billionaire." Alex Schwartz coins the term:

"[34:28] We're 100% in the age of the pathetic billionaire."

Nomi Frye agrees enthusiastically:

"[34:31] And I for one, could not be happier."

This archetype is characterized by overexposure, attempts to appear "cool," and behaviors that undermine their vast influence. Examples include Mark Zuckerberg's public appearances and Elon Musk's antics on platforms like Joe Rogan's podcast.

Impact and Satire in Depictions of Billionaires

The hosts debate the efficacy of satire in portraying billionaires amid their real-life counterparts. Alex Schwartz observes:

"[18:46] Satirizing extreme wealth is challenging because the reality has become so exaggerated that artistic portrayals struggle to add new dimensions. It's akin to how early Trump presidency made comedy about it both necessary and difficult."

Nomi Frye ponders the societal impact:

"[44:28] As awareness of oligarchy deepens through media and political discourse, it fosters a collective consciousness that could influence political movements, even if the immediate impact seems minimal."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with reflections on the persistent and evolving representation of billionaires in culture. The hosts acknowledge that while artistic depictions like Mountainhead effectively highlight the absurdities and dangers of unchecked wealth, they also raise questions about the potential for these narratives to inspire meaningful societal change.

Notable Quotes:

• Vincent Cunningham [06:00]: "Mountainhead is about a group of billionaire friends who are holed up in a house on top of a mountain in Utah..."

• Nomi Frye [08:40]: "Armstrong pitched the idea to HBO in November 2024, wrote the script by February..."

• Nomi Frye [14:04]: "I felt extremely depressed watching it in a way that surprised me..."

• Alex Schwartz [34:28]: "We're 100% in the age of the pathetic billionaire."

• Nomi Frye [34:31]: "And I for one, could not be happier."

• Alex Schwartz [22:14]: "Billionaires embody both the allure of immense wealth and the associated power dynamics."

Additional Information:

• Next Episode Teaser: The hosts announce that the following week will celebrate 250 years of Jane Austen, exploring her novels and their various adaptations.

• Listener Engagement: Listeners are encouraged to participate in a poll on Instagram by visiting @newyorkermag to share their favorite Jane Austen work and potentially have their responses featured on the show.

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting the critical examination of billionaires in modern culture through the lens of fictional portrayals like "Mountainhead" and real-life examples. It provides listeners with insightful discussions, notable quotes, and a clear understanding of the hosts' perspectives on the evolving depiction of wealth and power in society.