VENICE – A new documentary about Elon Musk is making waves by using cutting-edge technology to create a simulated interview with the famous CEO of SpaceX and Tesla. The film, directed by Alex Gibney, employs computer-generated imagery (CGI) and artificial intelligence to sync Musk’s voice with actual statements he has made in previous interviews.
According to Gibney, this artistic choice is intentionally ironic. It reflects Musk’s idea that we might be living in a simulation while also critiquing his often contradictory perspectives on technology. Gibney aims to highlight the real impact of Musk’s actions alongside the fantastical narrative he portrays.
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Before diving deep into production, the filmmakers consulted legal experts to ensure they could use the Musk avatar without issues. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where Gibney was joined by Ashley St. Clair, a former conservative influencer and the mother of one of Musk’s children. St. Clair discusses her relationship with Musk and the tough decision she faced regarding a nondisclosure agreement worth $40 million.
In an intriguing twist, St. Clair has also filed a lawsuit against Musk’s AI company, claiming that its Grok chatbot allowed users to create sexually explicit deepfake images of her, causing her significant distress.
The documentary explores Musk’s recent acquisition of X (formerly known as Twitter) and discusses how he allegedly manipulated the platform’s algorithms. Gibney notes that he initially underestimated how Musk’s changes prioritized inflammatory content over more constructive discussions. This sentiment is echoed by journalist Zoë Schiffer, who claims that Musk has suppressed mainstream journalism while boosting polarizing voices.
St. Clair expresses her concerns about Musk’s influence, suggesting that his actions could foster dangerous divisions in society if not addressed. With a runtime of nearly four hours, the documentary delves into Musk’s complicated childhood, his early career in Silicon Valley, and his political engagements, including connections to the Trump administration.
Gibney describes Musk as a potentially serious threat to democracy. The film raises critical questions about the data collected by Musk’s companies and their access to government resources. It features interviews with notable figures such as Tesla co-founder Martin Eberhard, Musk’s first wife Justine, and influential journalists like Kara Swisher.
The documentary is set to be released in theaters this October, and it promises to provide viewers with a thought-provoking look at one of the most controversial figures of our time.
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This story has been updated to remove a reference to the use of an AI avatar to simulate the Musk interview.
