A project that expanded with its subject
VENICE — Alex Gibney premiered a nearly four-hour documentary about Elon Musk at the Venice Film Festival on September 8. The director says the project began in 2023 as a shorter film before Musk's political reach and relationship with President Donald Trump enlarged its scope.
Musk declined Gibney's request for an interview and described the project online as a biased attack. That response belongs in coverage because documentaries are authored arguments: access, editing and perspective shape what audiences see even when a production uses extensive records and interviews.
Fear becomes part of the documentary's evidence
Gibney told reporters that critics, business associates and friends often feared speaking publicly. The film includes journalist Zoë Schiffer and Ashley St. Clair, a former partner of Musk. Their participation provides firsthand and reported perspectives, but viewers should distinguish testimony from independently demonstrated conclusions.
The documentary connects Twitter's transformation, government cost-cutting and federal contracts to questions about unelected power. Its cultural argument is not simply that one billionaire is famous; it is that platforms, infrastructure and public money can give a private figure influence across institutions.
The AI device raises its own question
Gibney also uses an AI-generated version of Musk speaking words Musk previously said. The director says lawyers approved the device. Even when the source words are authentic, synthetic presentation makes disclosure essential so audiences do not confuse a constructed performance with new footage.
The 2011 Gibney photograph is an authentic Creative Commons file image. It predates this film and does not show the 2026 Venice photocall, Musk, the documentary's interviewees or any scene from the production.
Limits and what to watch
The film presents Gibney's editorial argument, not a judicial finding; Musk rejected it as biased and declined to be interviewed, while several claims by participants remain their accounts.
The next development to watch is critical reviews, the announced October theatrical release and any detailed response from Musk or his companies.
Sources and further reading
Reuters: Gibney says fear shadowed the documentary ↗
AP: Musk documentary premieres in Venice ↗
Venice Biennale: Official film festival ↗