Inventing David Geffen

Hollywood's Most Polarizing Power Players Gets His Due In This Engaging Documentary
Premiering as a part of PBS's American Masters series, "Inventing David Geffen" is an engaging look at one of Hollywood's more polarizing power players. David Geffen has made his share of enemies through the years, but there is no denying his impact and success in the entertainment world. Susan Lacy's documentary takes a look primarily at Geffen's rise and his legacy. It's a candid, mostly positive, portrait in which many of Geffen's contemporaries acknowledge the man's volatile reputation while giving credit for his many accomplishments. "Inventing David Geffen" is certainly a respectful tribute. I wouldn't say it is an all encompassing vision of Geffen, though. Lacy's film rarely mentions struggles, hardships, or genuine unpleasantness. Every move Geffen made in his life seems to have led to a pre-determined success story. But if you love the business, Geffen's story is definitely one for the ages.

Admittedly, I probably knew more about Geffen than many before...

Hollywood's Most Polarizing Power Players Gets His Due In This Engaging Documentary
Premiering as a part of PBS's American Masters series, "Inventing David Geffen" is an engaging look at one of Hollywood's more polarizing power players. David Geffen has made his share of enemies through the years, but there is no denying his impact and success in the entertainment world. Susan Lacy's documentary takes a look primarily at Geffen's rise and his legacy. It's a candid, mostly positive, portrait in which many of Geffen's contemporaries acknowledge the man's volatile reputation while giving credit for his many accomplishments. "Inventing David Geffen" is certainly a respectful tribute. I wouldn't say it is an all encompassing vision of Geffen, though. Lacy's film rarely mentions struggles, hardships, or genuine unpleasantness. Every move Geffen made in his life seems to have led to a pre-determined success story. But if you love the business, Geffen's story is definitely one for the ages.

Admittedly, I probably knew more about Geffen than many before watching...

Must-see for any music or film buff
"Inventing David Geffen" (2012 release; 115 min.) is a PBS documentary in the on-going "American Masters" series, in which we get a look at the life and times of David Geffen.

The documentary's fisrt hour is nothing short of thrilling, as we see young Geffen, born and raised in Brooklyn, with one goal in mind: go out to California and become part of the Hollywood scene. As Geffen comments (in the many face-to-face interviews with him in this): "I left for California the day I graduated from high school". After some detours, Geffen starts his career at the William Morris talent agency and takes a strong (some might say, obsessed) interest in Laura Nyro, a talented singer-wongwriter. Geffen eventually founded Asylum Records, where he nurtures bands like the Eagles. Comments Glenn Frey: "he said to me, I'm gonna make you rich, but I'll be richer", ha! Geffen's drive and ambition knows no or little boundaries, and he dabbles in Hollywood again, only to come back and found...

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