Elon Musk is reportedly pursuing legal action against a recently premiered documentary that has sparked significant attention. Musk criticized director Alex Gibney on social media, calling him a “horrible human.” The documentary, titled Musk, debuted at the Venice Film Festival and received a standing ovation lasting five minutes. It delves into Musk’s career as a provocative figure aligned with the far-right, leading a trillion-dollar tech empire through various companies and alliances with influential figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Critics have described the almost four-hour-long film as a detailed examination of Musk’s life, with The Guardian labeling it as an “epic study” on the world’s wealthiest yet unremarkable man. Deadline characterized Musk in the film as “petty, narcissistic, megalomaniacal, and detached from personal relationships, despite professing to save humanity by colonizing Mars.”
The documentary is set to premiere in Canada at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 14. Musk had initially dismissed the documentary as a “hit piece” when it was announced in 2023 and has since continued to criticize it on social media.
Following the film’s premiere, Musk expressed his dissatisfaction with the documentary, calling it “boring” and questioning Gibney’s integrity. Musk’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, sent a letter to the production, warning of legal action if they did not ensure factual accuracy. In response, Jigsaw Productions defended the film’s accuracy, emphasizing the importance of examining influential figures under the banner of free speech.
Director Alex Gibney, known for investigating various subjects in his previous works, highlighted Musk’s perceived threat to democracy. The documentary explores Musk’s journey from his upbringing in South Africa to his ventures in Zip2, PayPal, Tesla, SpaceX, and more, scrutinizing his connections with Trump and controversial decisions impacting global affairs.
The film also closely examines Tesla’s self-driving technology claims and Musk’s evolving promises in this realm. Interviews with key figures such as Tesla co-founder Martin Eberhard, Musk’s ex-wife Justine Musk, and former USAID administrator Samantha Power shed light on Musk’s complex persona.
The documentary’s release in North American theaters is scheduled for October, with a gradual expansion to follow.