Venice Film Festival Takes on Murdoch and Musk in New Films 2026

Claire Hodges
Venice Film Festival Takes on Murdoch and Musk in New Films
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The Venice Film Festival promises to take a swing at media moguls of the print and digital era with Danny Boyle's new film about Rupert Murdoch and a documentary about Elon Musk. The 83rd edition of the festival, opening on 2 September, will feature Boyle's Ink, starring Guy Pearce as Murdoch, and Alex Gibney's four-hour documentary Musk. Both films highlight the festival's growing reputation for mixing star power with social commentary.

Danny Boyle's 'Ink': A Look at Murdoch's Takeover

Boyle's Ink focuses on Murdoch's 1969 acquisition of The Sun, a move that reshaped British media. The script, by Olivier Award-winning playwright James Graham, explores how the tabloid revolutionized public life. Guy Pearce portrays the Australian tycoon with nuance, capturing the drive that turned a humble newspaper into a global empire.


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The Documentary on Elon Musk

Oscar-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney presents Musk, a four-hour documentary that profiles the world's wealthiest person and owner of X (formerly Twitter). The film examines Musk's role as a rightwing agitator and his impact on technology, space exploration, and social media. Screened out of competition, it promises to be a provocative addition to the lineup.

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Other Highlights at the 83rd Venice Film Festival

The festival's lineup includes major stars and highly anticipated films. Martin McDonagh returns with Wild Horse Nine, starring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell as CIA agents in Chile. Robert Pattinson leads A24's Primetime, a psychological thriller inspired by To Catch a Predator. Meanwhile, Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem star in Bunker, directed by Florian Zeller.

Venice has positioned itself as the glitziest of the big three European festivals, blending red-carpet glamour with thought-provoking cinema. This year's selection reflects that balance, with a mix of Hollywood stars and indie auteurs.

Comparison: Venice vs. Cannes vs. Berlin

Festival Focus Notable 2024 Films
Venice Star power and spectacle Ink, Musk, Wild Horse Nine
Cannes Artistic innovation Anora, The Substance
Berlin Political and social themes Small Things Like These

Key Takeaways

  • The Venice Film Festival opens with Danny Boyle's Ink about Rupert Murdoch.
  • Alex Gibney's documentary Musk offers a deep dive into Elon Musk's life.
  • Martin McDonagh, Robert Pattinson, and Penélope Cruz headline other major films.
  • Festival remains a hub for celebrity sightings and critical acclaim.
  • Comparison with Cannes and Berlin highlights Venice's unique blend of glamour and substance.

FAQ

When does the 83rd Venice Film Festival start?

The festival begins on 2 September with the opening film Ink.

What is Danny Boyle's 'Ink' about?

Ink depicts Rupert Murdoch's 1969 acquisition of The Sun and its impact on British media and politics.

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Is the Elon Musk documentary in competition?

No, Alex Gibney's Musk will be screened out of competition at the festival.

Who stars in Martin McDonagh's new film?

Wild Horse Nine features John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell, Steve Buscemi, Tom Waits, and Parker Posey.

With its bold lineup, the Venice Film Festival continues to captivate audiences and critics alike. Whether you're drawn to the controversial figures of Murdoch and Musk or the return of beloved directors, this year's event offers something for everyone. Stay tuned for full coverage and updates from the Lido.

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Claire Hodges

Author

Claire Hodges

Claire Hodge is a seasoned writer and the head of content for the "Celebrities & Culture" magazine at Grand Goldman. With a background in journalism and a passion for Pop Culture / Fashion, she brings a unique blend of expertise and creativity. Her insightful articles and in-depth interviews have made her a bold voice in the industry, known for her ability to capture the idiosyncrasies of celebrity lives and cultural trends.


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