Gibney's Musk Documentary Draws Ovation and Unease at Venice Premiere
Alex Gibney's documentary 'Musk' premiered at Venice to a five-minute standing ovation, though its nearly four-hour runtime and unsettling portrayal left the audience drained. The film investigates Elon Musk's growing influence over technology, politics, and American democracy, expanding from an initial two-hour cut as Musk's political involvement deepened.
Production on the film commenced in late 2022, initially targeting a two-hour runtime before expanding to 225 minutes as its subject's political engagement grew. Following Venice, it travels to Toronto, with Bleecker Street scheduling a limited U.S. theatrical release in mid-October.
Gibney's filmography includes an Academy Award for *Taxi to the Dark Side* and examinations of Scientology, WikiLeaks, and Theranos. Musk has publicly disparaged the project on X, labeling it a "hit-piece," while Gibney has responded to his criticisms. The documentary is screening out of competition at Venice.
The film's warm reception indicates growing public appetite for scrutinizing tech moguls' political sway. Audiences may find the portrait unsettling, potentially fueling debates about unchecked wealth and democratic safeguards. The lengthy runtime could limit casual viewership, yet the ovation signals strong interest among festival-goers and awards voters. This documentary could prompt renewed reflection on the accountability of private individuals wielding immense global influence.