The Venice Film Festival opened on Tuesday with a lineup of notable films, including Alex Gibney’s documentary about Elon Musk, a psychological thriller starring Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem, and a drama directed by Casey Affleck.

Gibney’s documentary, titled “Musk,” offers an extensive exploration of the life and influence of Elon Musk, the entrepreneur known for his leadership of companies such as Tesla and SpaceX. With a runtime approaching four hours and an intermission, the film delves into the complexities of Musk’s career and public persona. Gibney, an Oscar-winning filmmaker known for his investigative work on figures such as Elizabeth Holmes and organizations like Scientology, initially approached the project as an admirer hoping to interview Musk. When Musk declined to participate, Gibney said the focus shifted toward examining the facts surrounding Musk’s legacy, ultimately challenging the widespread perception of Musk as a modern-day Renaissance figure. “Musk” is scheduled for release in North American theaters in October.

Another film focusing on themes related to wealth and power is “Bunker,” written and directed by Florian Zeller. The psychological thriller follows an acclaimed architect, portrayed by Javier Bardem, who is approached by a tech billionaire, played by Paul Dano, to design a survival bunker in Hawaii. Penélope Cruz stars as the architect’s wife, a literary editor who questions her husband’s involvement in the project. The film addresses contemporary anxieties such as fear of the future, environmental threats, social inequality, and individualism through the lens of a strained marital relationship. Zeller, whose previous work includes the Oscar-winning “The Father,” said he was inspired by a real-life story and tailored the roles for Bardem and Cruz, longtime collaborators dating back to “Jamón Jamón.”

Cruz noted the film’s bilingual presentation, set in a household that relocated from Madrid to London but maintains Spanish as the home language, highlighting the increasing authenticity in portraying bilingual families on screen. Alongside Bardem and Cruz, the cast includes Stephen Graham and Patrick Schwarzenegger. “Bunker” is part of the main competition and is expected to be released by Searchlight Pictures in early 2027.

Also premiering in competition is “Company,” a drama directed and co-written by Casey Affleck. Set in winter 1975, the story centers on a mysterious woman who arrives unexpectedly at a holiday gathering, unfolding into a narrative about grief and compassion with gothic undertones. The film stars Nick Nolte, Ben Mendelsohn, and features Affleck’s children, Atticus and Indiana Affleck. Affleck described the project as a personal response to both global conflicts and his own inner experiences. He dedicated “Company” to his late parents, who appear in the film and passed away earlier this year.

Winners of this year’s Golden Lion and other prizes will be announced on Saturday by a jury led by Maggie Gyllenhaal. The festival’s lineup continues to explore diverse themes through a range of creative voices, signaling a robust competition season.