Elon Musk, the South African-born entrepreneur, has become a household name in recent years due to his innovative mind, entrepreneurial spirit, and ambitious goals. The Elon Musk Show, now streaming on Showmax, provides an in-depth look at the life of the man who rose from humble beginnings to become the richest person in the world with a net worth of $221 billion.
An Intimate Journey into Musk’s Life
The three-part documentary series, produced by 72 Films, takes viewers on a journey through Musk’s life. It starts in 1995 during the early years of the Silicon Valley tech boom, where Musk, a young and geeky entrepreneur, was sleeping on his office floor and washing at the local YMCA while trying to make a name for himself.
The documentary features interviews with people who know Musk best, including family members, close friends, employees, and adversaries. Through these interviews, viewers gain a comprehensive and revealing portrait of the man behind Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company.
From Shy Entrepreneur to Multi-Millionaire
The Elon Musk Show chronicles Musk’s transformation from a shy entrepreneur to a multi-millionaire at just 28 years old. It also delves into his close encounters with bankruptcy while building Tesla and SpaceX. The series follows Musk’s journey up until 2022 as he chases his remarkable dreams of taking humanity to Mars.
One notable anecdote from the first episode comes from Musk’s ex-wife, actress Talulah Riley, who shares her experience from their first date. She describes Musk as shy and even recounts how he politely asked to put his hand on her knee during the date.
Critical Acclaim and Rationale Behind the Documentary
The Independent (UK) has praised the series, calling it “worthy of Musk himself” due to its attention to detail. The series has also earned a nomination for a 2023 BAFTA for its music.
In an interview with Mark Raphael, joint CEO of 72 Films, he explains the rationale behind creating a documentary on Elon Musk. He says that Musk’s story is relevant to today’s world and touches the lives of many people. Raphael describes Musk as a “proper genius” and a “serious engineer,” and expresses his surprise at how close Musk came to bankruptcy and the loyalty shown by friends who supported him during difficult times.
Understanding the World’s Richest Man
The Elon Musk Show aims to help viewers understand the people shaping our world, in this case, the richest man who has ever lived. It offers an insight into Musk’s motivations, his journey to wealth, and his vision for the future of humanity.
For those interested in getting a closer look at the life and mind of Elon Musk, The Elon Musk Show is available to watch in South Africa on Showmax. Additionally, Elon Musk: Titans of Tech is another documentary available on Showmax that explores the life and accomplishments of one of the most influential figures in the tech industry.
