Inventing David Geffen (2012)

Inventing David Geffen Poster

Notoriously press and camera-shy, David Geffen reveals himself for the first time in this unflinching portrait of a complex and compelling man. His far-reaching influence - as an agent and manager, record industry mogul, Hollywood and Broadway producer, and billionaire philanthropist - has helped shape American popular culture for the past four decades. This documentary offers a rare insight into the world of the man responsible for launching the early successes of Joni Mitchell, Tom Cruise, and Guns N’ Roses; co-founded DreamWorks; produced Cats and Dreamgirls; and is one of the largest contributors to the fight against AIDS. (SBS AU) Geffen narrates his unorthodox rise from working class Brooklyn boy to billionaire entertainment power broker in extensive interviews. American Masters explores the highs and the lows in Geffen’s professional and personal life through more than 50 new interviews with his friends, colleagues and clients, as well as other media luminaries. (PBS)

Introduction
"Inventing David Geffen" is a mesmerizing 2012 documentary by American Masters. The movie provides an engaging expedition of the career and individual life of David Geffen, a profoundly influential figure in American entertainment who achieved unparalleled success in the worlds of music, film, and tv.

Early Life and Music Industry Career
This movie uses an informative portrayal of Geffen's early life, detailing his Brooklyn upbringing as a working-class kid of Jewish immigrants. From there, it traces Geffen's desire for a life free from monetary insecurity, pushing him to enter the entertainment industry in his early twenties. Stressing the value of chutzpah and hard work, the film follows Geffen's fast increase in the music company, from his early days as a mailroom clerk at the William Morris Agency to co-founding Asylum Records. He played important functions in introducing the professions of eminent artists like The Eagles, Joni Mitchell, and Crosby, Stills and Nash.

Shift to Films and Theater
"Inventing David Geffen" illustrates Geffen's shift from the record industry into the world of movie. It clarifies his purchase of the movie studio United Artists and the facility of Geffen Film Company, where he produced hits like 'Risky Business' and 'Beetlejuice.' In addition to film, Geffen ventured into theater and had a tremendous victory with the renowned Broadway musical "Cats". Notably, Geffen's success was frequently stressed by business failures and individual debates, adding plain realism to his otherwise evident Midas touch.

Creation of DreamWorks and Philanthropic Work
The documentary highlights Geffen's role in producing DreamWorks SKG, the first new Hollywood studio in more than 50 years, along with Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg. The movie stresses his continued influence in the show business and files his later philanthropy work. Geffen's generous contributions to the Museum of Modern Art and to the medical and instructional spheres show his dedication to cultural and societal improvement.

Personal Life and Struggles
This movie does not avoid detailing Geffen's personal life. It discusses his struggles with cancer, the journey towards accepting his homosexuality, and the influence his sexual orientation had on his career. The individual anecdotes offered by confidantes and colleagues paint an intimate image of a male who preserved a thoroughly private life regardless of his influential public persona.

Conclusion
"Inventing David Geffen" provides a well balanced representation, focusing not only on Geffen's palpable charm and entrepreneurial spirit however also his frank bouts of rage, aggressive deal-making, and personal struggles. With testaments from a wide variety of show business icons, the movie provides an insightful representation of David Geffen, catching his ambition, decision, and often callous path to success. However, ultimately, it offers an intimate representation of a personal male who, behind the general public phenomenon, was driven by a ruthless mission for security and success in a world he was always slightly gotten rid of from.

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