Elon Musk is reportedly pursuing legal action against a recently premiered documentary that scrutinizes his life, denouncing director Alex Gibney as a “terrible person” on social platforms. The film, titled Musk, made its debut at the Venice Film Festival, receiving a five-minute standing ovation. Clocking in at nearly four hours, critics hail it as a deep dive into Musk’s career as a prominent figure in the tech industry, known for his controversial statements and ties to influential personalities like former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Guardian described the documentary as an “epic study” of Musk, labeling him as the “world’s richest yet most mundane man,” while Deadline portrayed him as “petty, narcissistic, and detached from human connections.” Musk publicly criticized the film when it was announced in 2023, repeatedly calling it a “hit piece” on social media leading up to its release.
Following the premiere, Musk engaged in a series of online exchanges on X, dismissing the documentary as “boring” and attacking Gibney’s credibility. Musk’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, issued a formal legal notice to the production, threatening legal action if they did not verify the accuracy of their content. Jigsaw Productions defended the film’s integrity, emphasizing the importance of examining powerful figures in society.
The documentary, set to premiere in Canada at the Toronto International Film Festival, delves into Musk’s journey from his upbringing in South Africa to his ventures in various tech companies, notably Tesla, SpaceX, and X. It highlights Musk’s controversial affiliations and his involvement in policy decisions that have had global implications, such as his role in restructuring the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Featuring interviews with key figures in Musk’s life, including Tesla co-founder Martin Eberhard and his first wife Justine Musk, the film sheds light on Musk’s complex persona and his impact on technology and society. Musk’s ex-partner, Ashley St. Clair, also makes an appearance, revealing details about her relationship with Musk and raising concerns about his influence and behavior.
The documentary addresses Tesla’s self-driving technology and Musk’s evolving promises regarding its capabilities, exploring legal challenges and safety concerns surrounding the company. It also delves into Musk’s management of X and allegations of algorithm manipulation to amplify contentious content on the platform.
Set for a North American theatrical release in October, the film offers a critical examination of Musk’s life and legacy, inviting viewers to reflect on the implications of his actions and public image.