Documentarian Alex Gibney's new film, Musk, premiered at the Venice Film Festival and is set for a theatrical release in October. The film explores the life and influence of Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind companies like SpaceX and Tesla. Known for his documentaries on powerful individuals and organizations, Gibney describes Musk as a figure of 21st-century power. The film, which runs nearly four hours, delves into how Musk has built a reputation for confidently predicting the future and persuading investors to back his companies, even when his forecasts have not always matched reality. Gibney suggests that Musk’s strength lies more in his ability to boost stock prices than in actual invention. The documentary also examines Musk’s political affiliations, particularly his support for former President Donald Trump. Gibney speculates that this support may be driven by both a desire to access federal funding and a wish to avoid potential legal challenges that might arise under a different administration, such as one led by Kamala Harris. Drawing parallels to past cases he has documented, such as the collapse of Enron and the downfall of Elizabeth Holmes, Gibney notes that Musk, like those figures, may be suffering from what some call "noble cause corruption"—a belief so strong in a cause that questionable actions are justified in its pursuit. He also highlights that Musk’s companies employ many qualified engineers and executives, though he mentions that people close to Musk were reluctant to speak on record, fearing negative consequences. The documentary aims to challenge the public perception of Musk as a modern-day Leonardo da Vinci, a figure of boundless creativity and genius. Instead, Gibney presents a more complex portrait, one that questions whether Musk’s influence is driven by genuine innovation or by a combination of ambition, charisma, and strategic maneuvering.