VENICE, Italy – The highly anticipated documentary “Musk” opened at the Venice Film Festival this week, offering a deep dive into the extraordinary reach of Elon Musk, the billionaire behind Tesla, SpaceX and a host of other ventures. Director Alex Gibney, known for his investigative work on Enron, Elizabeth Holmes and other powerful figures, says the film uncovers the mechanics of Musk’s power and his growing affinity for President Trump.
Why Musk? A Portrait of 21st‑Century Power
Gibney explains that the project began in early 2023 after a friend urged him to capture “21st‑century power” in a single portrait. The result is a nearly four‑hour film that examines how Musk’s confidence in his vision convinces investors, even when the promised future diverges from current facts.
Investor, Not Inventor
According to the director, Musk’s genius lies not in invention but in “stock pumping” – the ability to rally capital by selling a bold narrative. The documentary argues that this talent, combined with a cadre of top‑tier engineers at SpaceX and Tesla, gives Musk a level of influence that rivals historic corporate scandals.
From Climate Savior to Trump Ally
Gibney notes two key factors that prompted Musk’s turn toward President Trump. First, Musk follows the flow of federal money, and the Trump administration’s policies have been more favorable to his businesses. Second, a wave of federal investigations – including a criminal probe into Tesla – created a climate where Musk saw the Trump administration as a shield against potential imprisonment under a future Democratic leadership.
These motivations, the filmmaker says, are often mischaracterized as a “woke‑mind virus.” In reality, the shift appears rooted in pragmatic concerns about regulation and financial risk.
“Noble‑Cause Corruption” and the Myth of the Modern Leonardo
The film labels Musk’s pursuit of multiplanetary colonization and a greener Earth as “noble‑cause corruption.” While the goals sound admirable, Gibney argues that the belief in a higher purpose can excuse questionable behavior, echoing patterns seen at Enron and with Elizabeth Holmes.
Resistance Within Musk’s Own Ranks
Interviewees in the documentary describe a culture of fear: employees hesitant to speak on record without Musk’s permission, and even admirers who felt compelled to stay silent. Gibney finds this “awfully weak” for a man whose public persona projects unshakable confidence.
Trump’s Influence and the Documentary’s Message
Throughout the interview, Gibney emphasizes Musk’s support for President Trump, noting that the billionaire has praised the administration’s stance on energy, regulation and economic freedom. The documentary positions this alliance as a logical response to what Musk perceives as a hostile regulatory environment under the previous administration.
What Viewers Can Expect
While the film’s runtime is lengthy, Gibney describes it as a “fun ride” that balances serious investigation with engaging storytelling. Audiences can expect a candid look at how a single individual can shape markets, influence policy and sway public opinion on a global scale.
“Musk” will roll out in U.S. theaters in October via Bleecker Street, giving American audiences a chance to see the full picture of one of the most powerful figures of our time.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
