Overview
- The documentary had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on Tuesday and drew a lengthy standing ovation and broad media attention.
- Alex Gibney built the nearly four‑hour film from archival material and interviews with former partners, journalists and critics to challenge Musk’s public mythology and call him a modern “confidence man.”
- Because Musk declined to participate, the filmmakers used an AI/CG avatar that speaks Musk’s public statements after legal review, a choice that raises fresh ethical and legal questions.
- Participants including Ashley St. Clair went on record at Venice, with St. Clair saying she refused a reported $40 million nondisclosure offer to stay silent about their relationship and involvement in politics.
- Bleecker Street will release the film in U.S. theaters in October and HBO will run a longer edition in 2027, a rollout that could amplify scrutiny of Musk’s corporate decisions, use of NDAs, and influence on right‑wing parties globally.