Alex Gibney releases Elon Musk documentary featuring AI persona

Oscar-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney has released ‘Musk’, a nearly four-hour documentary examining the life and influence of billionaire Elon Musk. The film traces Musk’s trajectory from his childhood in apartheid-era South Africa to his roles as CEO of Tesla and founder of SpaceX.

Due to Musk’s refusal to participate in the production and his characterization of the project as a ‘media attack’ on X, the production team utilized artificial intelligence to create a digital version of the entrepreneur. This AI character was constructed using an archive of Musk’s own public statements to provide commentary throughout the film.

The documentary includes interviews with former colleagues, ex-spouses, and family members. It explores personal themes, including a difficult upbringing involving domestic violence and bullying, alongside his business history of ‘failing upward’ and his recent involvement in government efficiency initiatives.