Inventing David Geffen

Inventing David Geffen is a 2012 documentary film that offers a comprehensive look into the life and career of one of the most influential figures in the entertainment industry, David Geffen. The film features an array of interviews and behind-the-scenes insights from David Geffen as well as close associates and renowned contemporaries like Irving Azoff and Jackson Browne, painting a vivid picture of Geffen's career spanning over four decades.

Born to immigrant parents and raised in Brooklyn, David Geffen's story is one of hard work, constant striving and an incredible ability to identify potential from its earliest stages. The documentary takes its viewers on a journey from Geffen's humble beginnings, his struggles with school due to dyslexia, to eventually becoming a self-made billionaire and co-founding one of the most powerful dream factories of the world, DreamWorks.

Inventing David Geffen isn't just a celebration of Geffen's success but a closer look at his varied career path. The film meticulously explores his journey, beginning as an ambitious mailroom assistant to becoming a talent agent at the William Morris Agency, his foray into becoming a pioneering music manager, a record industry mogul, and finally, a titan in the film industry. One of the highlights is how Geffen navigated these transitions with ease, seemingly always making the right decision at the right time.

Key moments in music and film industry history are elegantly woven throughout the film, emphasizing Geffen’s contributions and influence. As viewers are walked through the Abbey Road Studios where Geffen signed the legends Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young or as they go behind-the-scenes of Cats, one of the longest-running Broadway shows he produced, they get a sense of how Geffen’s foresight and relentless pursuit of excellence reshaped the entertainment landscape.

Inventing David Geffen isn't just about the entertainment business; it's also about the man behind the success. It's a candid exploration of Geffen's personal life, including his lifelong battles with cancer, his coming out as gay in the 1990s, and his philanthropic work including his donations towards educational and research institutes. The film does not shy away from shedding light on his complicated personality - his ruthlessness, honesty and loyalty that somehow co-existed, often leaving people around him with mixed feelings.

The array of interviews with heavy-hitters in the industry further expand on Geffen’s reach and impact. Irving Azoff, a top talent manager, comments on the mechanics of working with Geffen professionally. Jackson Browne, singer-songwriter, known for his close friendship with Geffen, provides personal anecdotes that paint a nuanced view of Geffen’s character. His ups and downs, trials and triumphs are all laid out, providing us with an insight into the mind of one of the titans of Hollywood, his relentless ambition, and his ability to constantly reinvent himself.

Inventing David Geffen stands out due to its uncompromising honesty, warts and all, making it mesmerizing to watch. It marries the majesty of its subject’s career with the personal touch of storytelling that is heartfelt, convincing and revealing, making for not just a good documentary, but a great one. It’s not just for lovers of the entertainment industry or aspiring artists looking for motivation, but also for anyone intrigued by the transformational power of hard work and vision.

This revealing and honest portrait offers invaluable insights into the entertainment world, deftly highlighting the grit and audacity required to succeed. The film is not merely about the making of success but the making of a man, his constant reinvention, and the unquenchable thirst for greatness. Offering a stimulating blend of the personal, the professional, and the power of dreaming big, Inventing David Geffen is an engaging tribute to a truly remarkable journey.