Elon Musk Documentary Premieres in Venice, Exploring His Rise to Power
Director Alex Gibney presents his documentary “Musk” at the Venice Film Festival.
Many people were too afraid to speak publicly about Elon Musk, director Alex Gibney said on Tuesday.
Gibney made the comments as he presented his nearly four-hour documentary “Musk” at the Venice Film Festival.
The film examines Musk’s rise from the dotcom era to one of the world’s most influential technology figures. It also questions how an unelected businessman gained such influence over politics and public debate.
Fear Around Musk
Gibney said he encountered widespread fear while making the documentary.
“There was a tremendous sense of fear of talking,” he said. The director said the concern existed among Musk’s critics, business associates and friends.
Gibney added that many people declined to participate. However, some individuals agreed to speak despite those concerns.
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Musk has rejected the documentary. Earlier this month, he accused Gibney of bias in a post on X.
He predicted the film would become a highly negative portrayal of him.
From Tesla to Trump
Gibney began work on the project in 2023. Initially, he planned to make a much shorter film.
The project expanded as Musk became increasingly involved in Donald Trump’s political movement and the US presidency.
Gibney said he contacted Musk at the beginning. However, Musk declined to participate in an interview.
The director has previously made documentaries about subjects including Enron and Scientology.
He described Musk’s rise as a story about a “confidence man”. Gibney argued that Musk built his empire partly through ambitious promises and visions.
Musk’s Expanding Influence
The documentary examines several stages of Musk’s growing influence.
These include his takeover of Twitter, now known as X, and his involvement in US government cost-cutting efforts.
The film also explores Musk’s reliance on federal contracts.
Gibney argues that these developments helped concentrate significant wealth and political influence around one individual.
The documentary does not necessarily rely on new revelations. Instead, it connects events from Musk’s business and political career.
Political Influence Under Scrutiny
The film also examines Musk’s support for right-wing political movements.
It focuses on his embrace of Trump’s MAGA movement. It also looks at his support for right-wing causes in other countries.
One example is Musk’s backing of Germany’s Alternative for Germany, or AfD, party.
Gibney said he believes Musk is pursuing a global right-wing agenda. He attributed this to both ideological and financial motivations.
The director also questioned Musk’s impact on democratic institutions.
He described the billionaire as a serious threat to global democracy. Gibney further criticised Musk’s ability to show empathy.
AI-Generated Musk
The documentary includes an AI-generated version of Musk.
The digital character speaks words that Musk has previously said in public.
Gibney said the filmmakers considered the legal implications before including the material.
“We consulted our lawyers,” he said. The legal team ultimately approved the decision to proceed.
Former Partner Speaks Out
Ashley St Clair, Musk’s former partner and the mother of one of his children, also appears in the documentary.
St Clair said she rejected a $40 million non-disclosure agreement following the end of their relationship.
She criticised Musk’s relationship with the truth.
In the documentary, she delivers a stark assessment of the billionaire’s influence and character.
Venice Film Festival Screening
“Musk” is being screened out of competition at the Venice Film Festival.
The festival runs until September 12.
The documentary arrives as Musk remains a major figure in technology, business and politics. Its release is likely to fuel further debate over the power and influence of wealthy technology leaders.
