Cory Michael Smith Embraces Chaos in Jesse Armstrong's 'Mountainhead'

The Parting Shot with H. Alan Scott

Four tech CEOs, drunk on power, reunite at a mountaintop home amid a global economic crisis they might be partially responsible for. "There is a power that is purchased by money, where they don't have to apologize for their behavior," Cory Michael Smith says about playing Venis in Jesse Armstrong's HBO film Mountainhead (May 31). "A lot of these guys probably grew up not being the coolest kids in class." Part of the struggle for Smith was finding the space between drama and comedy. "Figuring out the balance was a little nerve-racking." Plus, Smith was excited to work with Armstrong. "I watched Succession, like most actors, with awe and envy, thinking, 'Wow, that's the luckiest cast.' Being invited into his [Armstrong's] feature directorial debut is so dreamy." Smith was also eager to work alongside Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman and Ramy Youssef. "I'm really grateful that I feel like I didn't f*** it up...this felt like a monstrous opportunity, and a monstrous opportunity to fail and have to really consider going back to school if I just humiliated myself."

Watch the full chat with Cory Michael Smith: https://www.newsweek.com/2025/05/30/cory-michael-smith-embraces-chaos-jesse-armstrongs-mountainhead-2074986.html

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