Watch Inventing David Geffen

Inventing David Geffen is a documentary film that premiered in 2012. The film explores the life and career of David Geffen, a music executive, film producer, and philanthropist who played a significant role in shaping the entertainment industry during the latter half of the 20th century. The documentary is an intimate portrait of Geffen's life, from his humble beginnings in Brooklyn to his rise as one of the most influential figures in Hollywood. It features interviews with Geffen himself, as well as with his friends, family, and colleagues, including Irving Azoff, Jackson Browne, and Steven Spielberg, among others.

The documentary is divided into several chapters, each of which focuses on a different period in Geffen's life. The first chapter, "Brooklyn Boy," explores Geffen's childhood and his early years in the music industry, where he worked as a talent agent for artists such as Laura Nyro and Joni Mitchell.

The second chapter, "Record Man," chronicles Geffen's founding of Asylum Records, which went on to sign some of the most iconic artists of the 1970s, including The Eagles, Joni Mitchell, and Jackson Browne. The film shows how Geffen's keen sense of talent and his ability to navigate the music industry helped to revolutionize the way music was marketed and distributed.

The third chapter, "Movie Mogul," focuses on Geffen's transition into the film industry, where he produced movies such as Risky Business, Beetlejuice, and Little Shop of Horrors. The film shows how Geffen's success in the music industry gave him the confidence to try his hand at producing movies, and how he used his talent for storytelling to bring unconventional and daring projects to the screen.

The fourth chapter, "Billionaire Philanthropist," explores Geffen's philanthropic work, which he began in earnest after the death of his partner, AIDS activist Jeremy Utley. The film shows how Geffen used his wealth and influence to support medical research, education, and the arts, and to advocate for LGBT rights.

Throughout the documentary, Geffen's personal life is also examined. The film details Geffen's struggles with his sexuality, his difficult relationships with his parents, and his lifelong battle with depression. Despite these challenges, Geffen's drive and his passion for the creative arts are evident throughout the film.

Inventing David Geffen is a well-crafted and engaging documentary that offers a unique glimpse into the life of one of the most powerful and influential figures in the entertainment industry. The film's careful use of archival footage, photographs, and interviews with Geffen and his colleagues allow viewers to understand the complexities of Geffen's personality and the impact of his work on the music and film industries.

Overall, Inventing David Geffen is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of the entertainment industry, as well as for those who admire Geffen's drive, ambition, and philanthropic spirit. It is a fitting tribute to a man who reshaped the way we think about music, movies, and popular culture.

Inventing David Geffen is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.