Renowned documentary filmmaker Alex Gibney has unveiled a comprehensive examination of Elon Musk’s vast influence and controversial public persona in his latest work, “Musk,” which premiered at the Venice Film Festival on September 9. Running nearly four hours, the film delves into the complexities of Musk’s power, his business practices, and his political alignments, offering a critical perspective on the tech entrepreneur well-known for his leadership of Tesla and SpaceX.

Gibney, whose previous subjects have included Enron, Elizabeth Holmes, and abuses by the U.S. military, described Musk as a figure whose scope of power surpasses that of his past subjects. The filmmaker began the project in early 2023 after being encouraged by colleagues to explore what he calls a defining portrait of 21st-century power. Through extensive investigation, Gibney uncovered that Musk’s influence largely stems from his ability to convincingly project a vision of the future that attracts investment, often at odds with factual evidence or realistic outcomes.

Contrary to popular belief that Musk is primarily an inventor, Gibney contends that Musk’s real skill lies in his prowess as an investor and promoter, particularly through raising stock valuations. The film further explores Musk’s political shift, particularly his vocal support for former President Donald Trump. Gibney attributes this change not to ideological affinity alone, but also to strategic considerations tied to federal government funding and investigations. Tesla, one of Musk’s companies, has faced criminal inquiries, and Gibney highlights potential legal risks Musk anticipated under the administration of Vice President Kamala Harris, which may have intensified his political positioning.

The documentary draws parallels between Musk and other controversial figures Gibney has profiled, such as those involved in corporate fraud or misinformation. He suggests that Musk, like them, is driven by what is known as "noble cause corruption," where a belief in a virtuous mission justifies ethically questionable actions. In Musk’s case, these causes include ambitions to colonize other planets and promote environmental sustainability. However, Gibney notes that Musk’s companies do employ highly qualified engineers and executives, setting him apart from some of his predecessors.

Though Musk publicly criticized the film as a “hit piece” on social media, Gibney dismissed those claims, emphasizing the transparency of his research. He expressed frustration that Musk declined to participate directly, and acknowledged that many insiders at Musk’s companies feared speaking on record due to potential repercussions. This atmosphere of apprehension underscored the extent of Musk’s personal influence and control over his associates.

Despite its length and serious subject matter, Gibney characterizes “Musk” as an engaging and dynamic film, aimed at providing an unvarnished look at one of the most impactful and polarizing figures in contemporary business and technology. The documentary is scheduled for theatrical release by Bleecker Street in October.