We all knew an Elon Musk biopic would happen eventually, and acclaimed filmmaker Darren Aronofsky, the mind behind films like Requiem for a Dream and mother, has been tapped to lead the project.
The A24 film is based on Walter Isaacson’s best-selling biography of Musk. Isaacson has some experience with tech genius biographies turned into films, as he’s the author behind Steve Jobs’ life story, which was adapted into a movie starring Michael Fassbender. It’s like a club of geniuses (or at least, people who think they are), and Musk, never one to shy away from being in exalted company, gave Isaacson an all-access pass to his life.
Isaacson’s deep dive into Musk’s world revealed more than just the nuts and bolts of Tesla and SpaceX. The author covered Musk’s history with his abusive childhood, a complicated love life, and, oh yes, the little matter of fathering a third child with Grimes while simultaneously having twins with another partner. It’s the kind of drama that might make even Aronofsky do a double-take.
But here’s where it gets intriguing. Musk’s saga seems tailor-made for Aronofsky’s penchant for portraying individuals teetering on the edge. A man spiraling into drug use? Check (Requiem style). Obsessed with success to the point of madness? Double-check (Remember Black Swan?). In some ways, it’s like Musk has been auditioning for an Aronofsky biopic all his life without even knowing it.
And how does Musk feel about it? Apparently, the tech entrepreneur is excited to watch himself on the big screen.
Glad Darren is doing it. He is one of the best.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 10, 2023
