Venice Film Festival opens with star power, documentaries on Musk, Russia and Gaza

Elon Musk may become one of the most discussed figures at the Venice Film Festival without appearing on its red carpets.

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Hit piece

The festival’s 83rd edition brings a familiar display of Hollywood glamour to the Lido, with Noel and Liam Gallagher, Robert Pattinson, Rooney Mara, George Clooney and Penélope Cruz among the expected guests. Several films could also enter the Oscar conversation.

But the lineup gives unusual weight to documentaries. Alex Gibney’s nearly four-hour film about Musk has been in development for almost four years. Musk called it a “hit piece” on social media after its announcement. Gibney responded, “How would you know?”

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How would you know?

Gibney told The Associated Press that he initially admired Musk and owned a Tesla. He had hoped to speak with the Tesla and SpaceX chief, but Musk declined. After examining the facts and interviewing hundreds of people on and off the record, Gibney said the film challenged the image of Musk as a modern Leonardo da Vinci. “The news in this film is that Musk isn’t an inventor. He’s a confidence man,” Gibney said. He also said many people appeared afraid to discuss Musk on camera, including some admirers who wanted permission first.

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Ultimately, he didn’t want to talk to me.

The festival will also screen Julia Loktev’s “My Undesirable Friends: Part II, Exile,” which continues her portrait of independent Russian journalists after the invasion of Ukraine. “NAZA,” a late competition addition from two filmmakers behind “No Other Land,” will focus on the conflict in Gaza. George Clooney and Ellen Burstyn are due to receive lifetime achievement awards.

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The news in this film is that Musk isn’t an inventor. He’s a confidence man.