Director Alex Gibney unveiled his nearly four-hour documentary "Musk" at the Venice Film Festival, examining Elon Musk’s rise from the dotcom era and the influence he has accumulated over politics and public debate. Gibney said critics, business colleagues and friends were often too fearful to speak publicly about the Tesla and SpaceX chief, while Musk declined to be interviewed and dismissed the film on X this month. Begun in 2023, the project expanded after Musk became involved with Donald Trump and the presidency of the United States. The film connects Musk’s takeover of Twitter, government cost-cutting drive and reliance on federal contracts with the concentration of power and wealth in one person. It also depicts his support for international far-right causes, including Germany’s surging Alternative for Germany party, and uses an AI-generated version of Musk speaking words he has previously uttered. Gibney said lawyers approved the film after reviewing potential legal risks. Ashley St. Clair, Musk’s former partner and the mother of one of his many children, said she rejected a $40 million non-disclosure agreement after their relationship ended. The film is screening out of competition at the Venice festival, which runs until September 12.