Robert De Niro Screens ‘Musk’ Documentary, Calls Out Elon’s GOP Spending at NYC Event

Robert De Niro and fellow Tribeca Festival founder Jane Rosenthal hosted a private screening of Alex Gibney’s documentary Musk at Manhattan’s Crosby Hotel on Sunday. The event drew a roomful of Academy members, and De Niro used the platform to call out Musk’s recent political spending, asking “How did that turn out for you?” to a cheering audience. The documentary, which runs 3 hours 52 minutes, critiques Musk’s business practices and his influence on American politics. Its release comes as Musk’s recent $300 million spend on the 2024 election and a near‑$500 million GOP push have drawn intense public scrutiny.

What happened

The screening was introduced by De Niro, who noted that Musk had spent about $300 million to help elect Donald Trump in 2024 and close to half a billion dollars on Republican candidates in the most recent midterms. He framed the documentary as a warning, suggesting that “democracy won this round.” Jane Rosenthal joined the conversation, joking about the film’s length and emphasizing its importance.

Gibney’s Musk premiered earlier this year, was released theatrically by Bleecker Street, and has earned over $700,000 at the domestic box office. The film is now available on VOD platforms, giving a wider audience access to its four‑hour deep dive into Musk’s personal and professional controversies.

In addition to the political focus, the documentary touched on Musk’s recent announcement that Tesla will cease production of the Cybertruck next summer, adding another layer to the narrative about his business decisions.

Why it matters

The event highlights how cultural figures can amplify political criticism, turning a film screening into a de‑facto referendum on corporate influence. Musk’s massive spending has already reshaped campaign dynamics, and the documentary’s critique may sway public opinion ahead of future elections. For the entertainment industry, the screening signals a willingness to confront powerful tech moguls, potentially influencing future content decisions and investor sentiment.

How to think about it

If you’re deciding whether to watch Musk, consider what you hope to get out of it: a factual overview of Musk’s political spending, a critique of his corporate decisions, or simply a long documentary experience. Pair the film with reputable news sources to verify claims, and use the discussion sparked by the screening as a springboard for broader conversations about money in politics. For industry watchers, the event illustrates how celebrity platforms can shape narrative framing around powerful figures.

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