Overview
- The documentary had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival this week and a 48‑second teaser released Sept. 7 juxtaposes high praise with harsh criticism of Elon Musk.
- Gibney argues that Musk’s power rests less on lone invention than on his ability to persuade investors and move markets, a tactic the director calls 'stock pumping.'
- The film contends Musk’s turn toward President Trump was shaped in part by his companies’ dependence on federal funding and by mounting legal and regulatory pressure, including a criminal probe of Tesla.
- Musk declined to participate, publicly labeled the project a 'hit piece' on X, and Gibney says many current and former associates were fearful to speak on record without Musk’s permission.
- Bleecker Street will release the film in U.S. theaters on October 16 and HBO/HBO Max will air an extended version later, with the film backed by Jigsaw Productions, Anonymous Content and producer Wendy Schmidt and featuring interviews with close associates and an original David Byrne song.