The documentary about Elon Musk has drawn attention for its examination of his political influence, business wealth and public persona. Director Alex Gibney says Musk donated more than $474 million to Republican political organizations during the election cycle, while the film has also faced legal threats, criticism from Musk and difficulties promoting its trailer. Musk declined to participate, so the production created a simulated version of him using his real past statements and a digitally rendered avatar.
Musk’s political spending comes under scrutiny
Speaking on Tuesday, Gibney said Musk had donated more than $474 million to Republican political organizations during the election cycle. “Last I looked, things were not going Elon’s way, especially in Texas,” Gibney said.
Shortly after those remarks, James Tarico was declared the winner of the Senate race, while Gina Hinojosa was elected governor. Hinojosa became one of the first Democrats to win a statewide election in Texas in more than 30 years.
Musk, who has maintained close ties with influential Texas figures over the years, donated at least $158 million to a super PAC supporting Tarico’s opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
“Musk has an insane amount of money right now, so dropping $500 million in the election doesn’t mean anything to him,” Gibney said. He noted, however, that much of Musk’s wealth is tied to his company’s stock. “The question is, what happens if that stock starts to fall?”
Interviews and a simulated Musk
While making Musk, Gibney spoke with technology entrepreneurs, former employees and two particularly critical interview subjects: Musk’s former spouse Justin Wilson and his former girlfriend Ashley St. Clair. The documentary also features an interview between Schiffer and WIRED Global Editorial Director Katie Drummond.
Musk declined to be interviewed for the film. Instead, Gibney’s team used his past public comments to create a simulated version of him, combining authentic quotations with a tanned, chiseled avatar wearing a leather jacket.
Musk calls the documentary a “hit piece”
On X, Musk denounced the documentary as a “hit piece.” In September, Musk’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, sent a letter to Gibney’s Jigsaw Productions threatening to file a defamation lawsuit before the film’s release.
Release and trailer promotion
The rollout of Musk has become increasingly complicated. In early October, independent film distributor Bleecker Street, which holds the domestic theatrical release rights, moved up the release date by one week following strong festival reviews.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, YouTube, TikTok and Meta initially refused to promote the trailer. X did not promote it at all ahead of the film’s debut.
Musk will be available to rent or purchase from November 6, after which it will no longer be shown in theaters.
Source: www.wired.com