Errol Morris, the acclaimed Academy Award-winning filmmaker, has recently expressed a renewed interest in releasing a documentary featuring Elizabeth Holmes, the former CEO of the now-defunct health technology company, Theranos. In a conversation with Variety published on 27 October, Morris revealed he filmed a two-hour interview with Holmes during the peak of her success, a film which has remained largely unseen.
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Holmes, who currently serves an eleven-year sentence in a Texas federal prison for fraud, has found herself back in the media limelight following the debut of the documentary “You Can See Everything.” The film chronicles the final days of her life before incarceration, as well as her relationship with partner Billy Evans. Morris, however, wants to unveil a different side of Holmes by showcasing his own footage that captures her persona during a time of apparent triumph.
Reflecting on his past engagements with Theranos, Morris stated, “I had tried very hard, over several years, to do a documentary on Elizabeth Holmes. However, legal complications arising from her indictment prevented this from materialising.” He noted that though his interview may not be widely known, he felt compelled to share it with the public. “I just watched that, and I am sincerely interested in putting that out as an unedited film,” he said.
His history with Holmes dates back to when he created promotional materials for Theranos, a period that saw Holmes featured prominently on major magazine covers. This was prior to her conviction in January 2022 for conspiracy to commit wire fraud against investors, which has since shadowed her legacy. Morris underscored the significance of his interview by suggesting it serves as a captivating juxtaposition between Holmes’s earlier, more optimistic self and her current reality.
The director’s desire to delve into the psychological aspects of Holmes’s journey has become a focal point of his interest. He articulated a curiosity about the extent of her self-deception and whether she genuinely believed in the potential of Theranos despite its ultimate failure. “Part of me believes she honestly thought she could achieve the results as promised,” Morris elaborated. This perspective stands in contrast to that of investigative journalist John Carreyrou, who has maintained that Holmes knowingly engaged in fraud and has chronicled her downfall extensively.
Morris’s initial plans to collaborate on a documentary project with Holmes fell through, as reported by The New York Times on 17 October. The timing proved troublesome due to the ongoing investigations into Theranos. Carreyrou opted against participating in Morris’s venture, further complicating the filmmaker’s efforts to tell the story.
Reflecting on why he did not release the footage earlier, Morris cited the fallout of Theranos and the subsequent prosecution of Holmes as factors that contributed to his decision. He explained, “The company fell apart and she was prosecuted… I’d moved on. But now I feel strongly that this is an interesting document.” He posited that the footage could reveal insights into her character during a time when she appeared to be in control.
The film would likely evoke a wide array of reactions, particularly as public perceptions of Holmes have shifted significantly since her conviction. Morris hopes that his film can illuminate the complexities of her situation rather than simplifying it into classifications of guilt and innocence. The nuances surrounding her actions and beliefs may prompt more profound questions about ambition and ethics within the world of Silicon Valley startups.
In an industry increasingly focused on self-presentation and narrative, Morris’s exploration of Holmes’s psychology offers a unique lens through which to understand not just her story but also the broader implications of ambition turned awry in the tech world. As viewers await the potential release of Morris’s long-shelved footage, the discussion surrounding Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos remains as relevant as ever.
As the documentary landscape continues to evolve, Morris’s insights pave a path for exploring the more intricate facets of human behaviour—the intersections of belief, ambition, and the stark sometimes harsh realities of failure in the pursuit of success.