Elon Musk is reportedly pursuing legal action against a recently premiered documentary that centers on him, criticizing director Alex Gibney as a “terrible individual” on social media. The documentary, titled Musk, made its debut at the Venice Film Festival and garnered a standing ovation lasting five minutes.
Described as an extensive examination lasting almost four hours, the film delves into the life of Elon Musk, who has established himself as a controversial figure with a vast tech empire valued at trillions. The narrative portrays Musk as a far-right instigator who has associated with influential personalities like former U.S. President Donald Trump through his various ventures and ever-changing technological promises.
Media outlets such as The Guardian and Deadline have characterized the documentary as a deep dive into the life of the “world’s wealthiest yet most mundane man,” depicting Musk as egotistical, detached from personal relationships, and ambitious to colonize Mars while being criticized for his actions. The Canadian premiere of Musk is scheduled for September 14 at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Upon the announcement of the documentary in 2023, Musk labeled it as a “smear campaign,” a sentiment he has reiterated on social media in recent days. Musk has been actively engaging with supporters on X, dismissing the film as “dull” and casting aspersions on Gibney’s credibility and character.
In response, Musk’s legal representative, Alex Spiro, has issued a formal notice to the production team, warning of potential legal repercussions if they fail to verify their claims with credible sources. Jigsaw Productions, the company behind the documentary, has defended its accuracy, stating that scrutiny of influential figures should be protected under free speech.
The documentary tracks Musk’s journey from his upbringing in South Africa to his entrepreneurial ventures, including Tesla, SpaceX, and his involvement in technological advancements like AI. It also explores his connections with Trump and his controversial decisions during his time at the Department of Government Efficiency.
Featuring interviews with key figures such as Tesla co-founder Martin Eberhard, Musk’s ex-wife Justine Musk, and former associates, the documentary sheds light on Musk’s personal and professional life, touching on topics like Tesla’s self-driving technology and Musk’s influence on digital platforms.
Notably, the film has faced allegations of offering substantial sums to individuals, like Ashley St. Clair, a former partner of Musk, in exchange for silence. Musk has refuted these claims, stressing that they are baseless.
As the documentary prepares for a theatrical release in North America, it is set to prompt discussions around Musk’s impact on technology, society, and his perceived role in shaping the future.