‘Stand Up and Resist’: Elon Musk Movie Director Delivers Blunt Message at Premiere

Alex Gibney didn’t hold back at the Musk premiere. The director delivered a blunt message about billionaire power. He urged audiences to oppose the growing influence of the world’s wealthiest figures.

The four-hour documentary examines Elon Musk’s business empire across technology, social media, electric cars and space travel. It also explores his time in Washington and the power he gained there.

As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Gibney described Musk as a “Shadow president of the United States” during the post-screening discussion at the Toronto International Film Festival. He then told the audience, “I think we’re recognizing that a few billionaires are trying to take control of the world and it’s up to us to stand up and resist.”

His comments drew strong audience applause. The discussion also included questions about Musk’s achievements and Gibney’s approach to the documentary.

What Alex Gibney’s Musk reveals about the billionaire

Gibney and his team spent more than three years filming the project. They also added material after Musk entered Washington in 2024. One section focuses on the film’s four-month DOGE period and his team’s potential access to sensitive government data. The film examines how that access expanded Musk’s reach within the government.

During the Q&A, one audience member challenged Gibney on Musk’s accomplishments by asking, “Would you rather live in a world without the accomplishments of Elon Musk?” Gibney replied, “I kind of question the phrase the accomplishments of Elon Musk. Tesla was not founded by Elon Musk; he was not the key inventor. SpaceX also was founded by a lot of powerful engineers.”

Musk has criticized the documentary without appearing to have seen it. His attorney accused the filmmakers of refusing to fact-check the film with his team. Gibney said he fact-checked some details with Musk’s team but did not show them the finished documentary.

Musk is scheduled to hit theaters in New York and Los Angeles on October 9. It will expand to more cities on October 16.

Source: Comingsoon.net