‘Musk’ Director Alex Gibney Wants to Know if Democrats Can Now Hold Elon Musk Accountable

Director Alex Gibney of the documentary "Musk" questioned whether the Democratic takeover of the House and Senate would enable them to conduct rigorous investigations into the influence of money in politics. The film delves into multiple government investigations into Elon Musk, suggesting that these actions may have contributed to Musk's support for Donald Trump and other Republican candidates.

Gibney highlighted Musk's substantial donations to Republican groups, totaling over $474 million this election cycle, noting a decline in Musk's favoritism, especially in Texas. Shortly after this assertion, James Talrico won the Senate race and Gina Hinojosa became the state's governor, marking the first Democratic victories in Texas statewide elections in over three decades.

Musk's relationship with Texas elites is well-established, with Musk contributing at least $158 million to super PACs backing Talrico's opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Much of this money is invested in Musk's companies' stocks, raising the question of what would happen if those stocks declined. During production, Gibney interviewed tech professionals, former employees, and Musk's exes, including Justine Wilson and Ashley St. Clair.

Musk also contributed interviews and a simulated version featuring WIRED editors Zoë Schiffer and Katie Drummond. Musk opted out of a direct interview, using past public statements to generate a fabricated version. While Musk criticized the film as a "hit piece" on social media, Gibney's team had already prepared a response. The release of Musk faced complications, with Bleecker Street moving the theatrical debut a week earlier due to favorable reviews.

Major platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Meta declined to advertise the trailer, while X refrained from advertising altogether. Musk will be accessible starting November 6 for rental or purchase, after which it will no longer be shown in theaters.