Elon Musk has reportedly initiated legal proceedings against a documentary about him following its highly anticipated premiere, where he criticized director Alex Gibney on social media. The documentary titled Musk was showcased at the Venice Film Festival, garnering a standing ovation despite its extensive runtime of nearly four hours.
Described as a deep dive into the life of Elon Musk, the film portrays him as a controversial figure who has built a far-right persona and a trillion-dollar tech empire by navigating through various companies, making shifting technological promises, and aligning himself with influential figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump. Reviews from reputable sources like The Guardian and Deadline have characterized the documentary as an “epic study” and a scathing critique that Musk supposedly deserves.
The documentary will make its Canadian debut at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 14. Musk had previously labeled the film as a “hit piece” when it was announced in 2023 and has continued to express his disdain for it on social media, labeling it as “boring” and attacking Gibney’s credibility.
In response to the criticism, Musk’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, issued a formal legal notice to the documentary’s production, emphasizing the importance of fact-checking with credible sources. Jigsaw Productions, the production company behind the film, defended its accuracy and highlighted the significance of examining powerful individuals in society as part of free speech.
The documentary delves into Musk’s journey from his upbringing in South Africa to his ventures with companies like Zip2, PayPal, Tesla, SpaceX, Starlink, and X. It also explores his association with Trump and his controversial role in the Department of Government Efficiency, where he allegedly contributed to the shutdown of the U.S. Agency for International Development, resulting in significant global repercussions.
Featuring interviews with key figures such as Tesla co-founder Martin Eberhard, Musk’s ex-wife Justine Musk, neurologist Sam Harris, and tech journalist Kara Swisher, the documentary sheds light on Musk’s complex persona and his impact on various industries. Additionally, it highlights Musk’s involvement in Tesla’s self-driving technology and the controversies surrounding its safety claims.
The film is set to hit select theaters in North America on October 16, with a wider release scheduled for October 23. Despite the ongoing legal dispute, the documentary promises to offer a comprehensive exploration of Elon Musk’s life and career.