Elon Musk Unveils Flying Car Amid Documentary Backlash
On Friday, Elon Musk introduced an innovation that many thought could only exist in films: a real flying car named the Roadster. Yes, it flies. It can also accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in under a second. And, there’s something miraculous about its cup holder that’s designed for a Big Gulp. Well, I might have just made that last part up.
While Musk keeps busy creating electric vehicles, self-driving trucks, and launching rockets — even rescuing astronauts and providing reliable internet services — a four-hour documentary aiming to critique him has flopped miserably at the box office.
Alex Gibney’s Musk managed to rake in only $307,000 after being shown in 468 theaters, which amounts to a mere $649 per screen. In contrast, the documentary about Melania Trump, Melania, opened on 1,778 screens and averaged $4,027 per screen.
The irony isn’t lost on anyone: comparing a man who has created a flying car with a filmmaker whose lengthy documentary flopped, all because the former leans politically right, doesn’t really need elaborate explanations.
It’s evident that Gibney’s focus on Musk stems from the latter’s conservative views and his ties to Donald Trump. Had Musk been a Democrat, it’s likely Gibney would have produced a film singing his praises instead.
Elon Musk has undeniably made waves, and Gibney seems intent on criticizing him for not adhering to expected political norms. However, the audience didn’t seem to care for this critique, not even those on the left who typically oppose Musk.
It’s hard to argue with the reviews, as Musk has a remarkable 97 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have been quick to chime in:
Peter Travers: “Doc legend Alex Gibney takes four hours to give the dark prince of tech billionaires the ass-kicking he deserves. It’s so worth it.”
Saturday Evening Post: “The film’s final shot serves as a cautionary reminder: When one individual has too much influence over your life, it risks becoming enslaved to their singular vision.”
San Jose Mercury News: “Gibney adeptly assembles fragments to paint a daunting picture of a brash businessman perceived as spiraling out of control.”
RogerEbert.com: “New interviews with those familiar with Musk enhance the narrative, with notable insights from tech experts and former officials.”
The message is clear.
One can’t help but think that if Musk had a “D” next to his name rather than a “MAGA,” the entire leftist perspective would be flipped upside down.
It seems the left can only wield destruction as their weapon. That’s what they seem to be left with.
