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The Operator: David Geffen Builds, Buys, and Sells the New Hollywood
“A crazy American epic” –Newsweek
Complex, contentious, and blessed with the perfect-pitch ability to find the next big talent, David Geffen has shaped American popular culture and transformed the way Hollywood does business. His dazzling career has included the roles of power agent, record-industry mogul, Broadway producer, and billionaire Hollywood studio founder–but from the beginning his accomplishments have been shadowed by the ruthlessness with which he has pursued fame, money, and power. With The Operator, Tom King–who interviewed Geffen for the book and had unimpeded access to his circle of intimates–presents a mesmerizing chronicle of Geffen’s meteoric rise from the mailroom at William Morris, as well as a captivating tour of thirty sizzling years of Hollywood history. Drawing on the recollections of celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Yoko Ono, Warren Beatty, Courtney Love, Paul Simon, and even Cher (whom Geffen nearly married), The Operator transports readers to a world that is as ruthless as it is dazzling, revealing a great American story about success and the bargains made for it.
“A detailed portrait of Hollywood’s premier manipulator…The Operator is as much a composite portrait of the ‘New Hollywood’ as it is of the fifty-seven-year-old partner in DreamWorks SKG.” –San Francisco Chronicle
“Illuminating...[The Operator] shows how raging ambition and chutzpah are as much valued as talent–or more so–in determining success.” –Philadelphia Inquirer
Complex, contentious, and blessed with the perfect-pitch ability to find the next big talent, David Geffen has shaped American popular culture and transformed the way Hollywood does business. His dazzling career has included the roles of power agent, record-industry mogul, Broadway producer, and billionaire Hollywood studio founder–but from the beginning his accomplishments have been shadowed by the ruthlessness with which he has pursued fame, money, and power. With The Operator, Tom King–who interviewed Geffen for the book and had unimpeded access to his circle of intimates–presents a mesmerizing chronicle of Geffen’s meteoric rise from the mailroom at William Morris, as well as a captivating tour of thirty sizzling years of Hollywood history. Drawing on the recollections of celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Yoko Ono, Warren Beatty, Courtney Love, Paul Simon, and even Cher (whom Geffen nearly married), The Operator transports readers to a world that is as ruthless as it is dazzling, revealing a great American story about success and the bargains made for it.
“A detailed portrait of Hollywood’s premier manipulator…The Operator is as much a composite portrait of the ‘New Hollywood’ as it is of the fifty-seven-year-old partner in DreamWorks SKG.” –San Francisco Chronicle
“Illuminating...[The Operator] shows how raging ambition and chutzpah are as much valued as talent–or more so–in determining success.” –Philadelphia Inquirer
688 pages, Paperback
First published March 7, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 22, 2009
There’s a website that lists hundreds, probably thousands of words and phrases that first found expression in the work of Shakespeare. And after reading this biography of David Geffen, I realized it would probably take a writer with Shakespeare’s gift of language and acute insight into human character to fully describe an individual so vibrant and complex. Egosyntonic, cunning, dramatic, ruthless, charming, contentious, single-minded, generous, mechanistic, visionary, maniacal – Geffen was indeed legion. As one who shaped Hollywood rather than allowing himself to be shaped by it - his only real antecedent was the legendary Lew Wasserman – Geffen ruled the grade school playground that is Hollywood with a panache and flair that rivaled the extravaganzas he staged in music (Joni Mitchell memorialized him in “Free Man in Paris”), movies (he gave Tom Cruise his sartorially memorable break in Risky Business) and on Broadway (where he unleashed a thousand felines that danced and sang and meowed their way into our hearts and memories). Ultimately, however, “hilarious” is probably the word that best captures this portrait of David Geffen. You’ll crack up as he boings from one mad caper to the next, like some crazy life-sized cartoon (or “little schlepper” as Cher referred to him) creating spectacle on top of spectacle – each more jaw-dropping than the last.
September 1, 2016
Having had the opportunity to work with many of the people mentioned in this book, during many of the times mentioned in it, along with for a short time, the opportunity to personally interacting with the subject, himself....I always find it interesting to (hopefully) be enlightened as to what else was going on (behind the scenes) at the same time........I found the book fairly detailed and fairly even handed in it's presentation.....I would have rather heard David's responses to some of the things or situations/events that were related by others....Like, in the form of a "response". I think this would have kept things more "on track".
I found some of the "timelines" completely "off", as to "what happened when" in a few situations that I was present and may have (in fact) known far more "detail" than those being interviewed...Regardless, it is possibly the most "in-depth" book on one of the most talented men of the past few decades in the entertainment industry.
In many ways, I felt "sad" about much of what I read. I always found the subject extremely likable and always had a great deal of admiration, as well as the utmost respect for him, his accomplishments, his successes and even more for his failures, as they tended to provide greater "life lessons" than the others. I was somewhat disappointed at how abruptly the book ended....But then his life and endeavors continue on....And I am sure other books will be written......Still, there are facts and situations that no one seems to be able to unearth, only because they have not properly researched the events and covered all the bases......If you know nothing about David Geffen, this is possibly the best book yet. However, like all the rest, it too has fallen short of accurately describing and presenting this obviously talent and complicated individual...!
I found some of the "timelines" completely "off", as to "what happened when" in a few situations that I was present and may have (in fact) known far more "detail" than those being interviewed...Regardless, it is possibly the most "in-depth" book on one of the most talented men of the past few decades in the entertainment industry.
In many ways, I felt "sad" about much of what I read. I always found the subject extremely likable and always had a great deal of admiration, as well as the utmost respect for him, his accomplishments, his successes and even more for his failures, as they tended to provide greater "life lessons" than the others. I was somewhat disappointed at how abruptly the book ended....But then his life and endeavors continue on....And I am sure other books will be written......Still, there are facts and situations that no one seems to be able to unearth, only because they have not properly researched the events and covered all the bases......If you know nothing about David Geffen, this is possibly the best book yet. However, like all the rest, it too has fallen short of accurately describing and presenting this obviously talent and complicated individual...!
January 14, 2023
A detailed, yet engaging account of how Geffin lied and bullied his way to the top of Hollywood, only to find himself alone at the top.
May 27, 2013
The meteoric rise of David Geffen is told by Wall Street Journal reporter, Tom King. King's business background was invaluable in researching and explaining Geffen's deals... in some parts there is a different deal on every page.
Geffen seems to be living on adrenalin be it his hard charging in your face negotiating or his indulgence of artists and friends. He crashes hard too, finds therapies and cries when hurt or moved. To paraphrase one of his artists, it's like the sound of his own wheels drive him crazy.
When he bet on a star he went all the way, as he did with his first artist-Laura Nyro. He housed and fed them. Sometimes he provided lawyers for them and sometimes took them on trips. He gave his top managers wide decision making authority. Besides salaries they could be surprised by bonuses of cars or houses. Not knowing the industry norm, it's hard for me to judge if those who felt he didn't do enough them (after their/his success) have legitimate complaints.
Years, differences and feuds can separate him from family, friends, mentors and staff. There can be a kiss and make up (Cher, Spielburg, etc.), sometimes just separation (Nyro, Roberts, etc.) and sometimes a continuing freeze (Ovitz, Loddengaard etc.). He can be very generous, for instance giving Jackson Browne his copyrights or subsidizing cousins he doesn't know. He can also give to get, for instance rescuing his friend Calvin Klein paid him well at the end.
His success began with falsifying his resume, opening others' mail and forging mail. He intimidated, reneged, spread disinformation, brown nosed and bad mouthed. A lot of these very same tactics were used against him.
His talent was knowing entertainment that would sell, and he was usually right on the mark. His mistakes seemed to come when he worked with established stars, not the artists he "discovered".
This is an almost 600 page book, but you have the feel that there is much more to be written.
Geffen seems to be living on adrenalin be it his hard charging in your face negotiating or his indulgence of artists and friends. He crashes hard too, finds therapies and cries when hurt or moved. To paraphrase one of his artists, it's like the sound of his own wheels drive him crazy.
When he bet on a star he went all the way, as he did with his first artist-Laura Nyro. He housed and fed them. Sometimes he provided lawyers for them and sometimes took them on trips. He gave his top managers wide decision making authority. Besides salaries they could be surprised by bonuses of cars or houses. Not knowing the industry norm, it's hard for me to judge if those who felt he didn't do enough them (after their/his success) have legitimate complaints.
Years, differences and feuds can separate him from family, friends, mentors and staff. There can be a kiss and make up (Cher, Spielburg, etc.), sometimes just separation (Nyro, Roberts, etc.) and sometimes a continuing freeze (Ovitz, Loddengaard etc.). He can be very generous, for instance giving Jackson Browne his copyrights or subsidizing cousins he doesn't know. He can also give to get, for instance rescuing his friend Calvin Klein paid him well at the end.
His success began with falsifying his resume, opening others' mail and forging mail. He intimidated, reneged, spread disinformation, brown nosed and bad mouthed. A lot of these very same tactics were used against him.
His talent was knowing entertainment that would sell, and he was usually right on the mark. His mistakes seemed to come when he worked with established stars, not the artists he "discovered".
This is an almost 600 page book, but you have the feel that there is much more to be written.
October 9, 2012
"Sweeping" doesn't begin to describe this story of modern Hollywood's most prominent macher, and that's what you should read it for—the story. The reportage feels thorough, but the telling of the story is far less inspiring than the story itself; I like my heartbreaking, breathtaking tales of glory and woe Fitzgerald- or Schulberg-style. This feels more like gossip in the name of cautionary/how-to tale, so you can feel marginally more respectable about reading it than you would, say, a theoretical copy of some piece of trash from the checkout line. It explains a lot about Geffen and the celebrity-industrial complex in general, but I never really got a sense for what makes him tick. That would take a poet. Or a kickass composer/lyricist/book-writing team. (GEFFEN!, the opera? Count me in!)
November 23, 2017
Great read to learn how the music and movie industry works. David Geffen was connected to almost every significant major music and pop culture moment from the late 60s to the 90s. The book is a collection of anecdotes and is very focused on the details of David Geffen's life. It could have been better if there were more analysis of the music industry and the lasting changing Geffen had made to the industry.
Great read for anyone who works in entertainment on the business side and wants a history lesson on how some of the most important albums of the 20th century got made.
Great read for anyone who works in entertainment on the business side and wants a history lesson on how some of the most important albums of the 20th century got made.
November 24, 2025
2.5 star. This reads like one long Wikipedia article about David Geffen’s life and lacks any real depth beyond that.
January 13, 2015
One of the best biographies I've read, and I've read a lot. Delves deep into this often contradictory and extraordinarily talented man. Favourite part is when Geffen is explaining his philosophy on business and how he has to be (I paraphrase here), "The last person to make a decision" because if he has to convince anyone else that it is a good idea he is " Already Depressed". Gold! This is also easily one of the best books on business I've read, he would be an amazing business mentor.
November 16, 2022
I really enjoyed this book & kudos to the author - and to Mr. Geffen for leading a fascinating and exciting life. (Successful is a more complicated question - see below.) There were numerous fascinating situations and even cliff-hangers that really kept me on the edge of my seat.
There have been several great reviews of this book already here on GR, so check them out!
I'll just highlight 3 main points:
1. BUSINESS. The book is an amazing & exciting look into high-stakes dealmaking, and Geffen has proven himself to be (overall, after many highs and lows) a very successful dealmaker. It might have been nice to be able to see more details on his many deals (even an Excel-based appendix? LOL) but that would go beyond the genre of general-audience biography. Suffice it to say that any entrepreneur in the medium- to large-scale business would find the dealmaking stories very interesting.
2. ETHICS. It's amazing and eyebrow-raising to see how unscrupulous Geffen has been in his career (lying, fabricating etc.) and how, in many cases, the victims even remained his friend years later. Best example: on at least two occasions he was extremely unethical and dishonest in his dealings with Mo Ostin, but Ostin remained friends with Geffen. Maybe he was taking the good with the bad?? I think, given his arrive-at-work-at-6-am intensity, Geffen may have been almost as successful if he had been much more honest & ethical; but who knows at this point?
3. HAPPINESS. It's sad to see that Geffen has never (as of the bio's date, around 2000) had a long-term successful emotional relationship, despite being not only a billionaire but also (eventually) a very generous friend and philanthropist. One of the last images of him is after he has finished renovating the old Warner estate in the Hollywood Hills. He's often in the huge place alone except for his hired help - really sad for someone so successful (in $ terms) and a bit reminiscent of a Shakespearean tragedy. I hope that after the timespan of this book he has found more satisfaction in his personal relationships, because certainly he's very smart, charismatic, if a bit over the top in intensity, and often highly generous to others.
Overall the book is great, but like at least one other reviewer, I found that it ended very abruptly, on an almost cynical/downer note. I would have liked to see some kind of summary, hitting the high and low points and drawing some conclusions from this extraordinary life. But I often hope for a summary/conclusion at the end of biographies, and rarely get one. Maybe next time..
There have been several great reviews of this book already here on GR, so check them out!
I'll just highlight 3 main points:
1. BUSINESS. The book is an amazing & exciting look into high-stakes dealmaking, and Geffen has proven himself to be (overall, after many highs and lows) a very successful dealmaker. It might have been nice to be able to see more details on his many deals (even an Excel-based appendix? LOL) but that would go beyond the genre of general-audience biography. Suffice it to say that any entrepreneur in the medium- to large-scale business would find the dealmaking stories very interesting.
2. ETHICS. It's amazing and eyebrow-raising to see how unscrupulous Geffen has been in his career (lying, fabricating etc.) and how, in many cases, the victims even remained his friend years later. Best example: on at least two occasions he was extremely unethical and dishonest in his dealings with Mo Ostin, but Ostin remained friends with Geffen. Maybe he was taking the good with the bad?? I think, given his arrive-at-work-at-6-am intensity, Geffen may have been almost as successful if he had been much more honest & ethical; but who knows at this point?
3. HAPPINESS. It's sad to see that Geffen has never (as of the bio's date, around 2000) had a long-term successful emotional relationship, despite being not only a billionaire but also (eventually) a very generous friend and philanthropist. One of the last images of him is after he has finished renovating the old Warner estate in the Hollywood Hills. He's often in the huge place alone except for his hired help - really sad for someone so successful (in $ terms) and a bit reminiscent of a Shakespearean tragedy. I hope that after the timespan of this book he has found more satisfaction in his personal relationships, because certainly he's very smart, charismatic, if a bit over the top in intensity, and often highly generous to others.
Overall the book is great, but like at least one other reviewer, I found that it ended very abruptly, on an almost cynical/downer note. I would have liked to see some kind of summary, hitting the high and low points and drawing some conclusions from this extraordinary life. But I often hope for a summary/conclusion at the end of biographies, and rarely get one. Maybe next time..
October 6, 2025
A lot of moguls are annoying people you probably wouldn’t choose to spend time with if not for
their wealth/fame. But most very obviously have *something* that makes up for it and can explain their success. From this bio, I get no sense that David Geffen has any traits that make up for being a slimy POS. No idea what his motivations were besides being insecure. Michael Ovitz and Michael Eisner look like the most interesting men in the world in comparison. Don’t waste your time on this book if you want anything more than a few interesting anecdotes about The Eagles, Neil Young, etc.
their wealth/fame. But most very obviously have *something* that makes up for it and can explain their success. From this bio, I get no sense that David Geffen has any traits that make up for being a slimy POS. No idea what his motivations were besides being insecure. Michael Ovitz and Michael Eisner look like the most interesting men in the world in comparison. Don’t waste your time on this book if you want anything more than a few interesting anecdotes about The Eagles, Neil Young, etc.
July 10, 2025
In essence, Geffen is able to be widely successful because 1) he has an innate ability to sense talent, and stay with the talent undeterred (whether it’s artistic talent or business talent), 2) he is ruthless and will keep pouncing until he gets what he wants, 3) he has the natural ability to befriend people and make others really like him and 4) he is tireless. Always hoping to find fulfillment (oddly enough, kept doing the same thing that makes him unfulfilled).
January 24, 2022
provided great insight into how Geffen thinks and how he operates. loved the biographical read surrounding both his businesses and how closely they were tied with relationships. showed how you can be very flawed/unbalanced and still (or maybe this is how you) succeed at that extreme of a level. Very valuable.
January 25, 2022
for the hollywood heads. irrelevant that the prose isn’t gripping. you read it for the mammoth shakespearean undertones. geffen’s a freak!
only knock - no mention of the depravity of geffen’s tier of wealth. no allusion to the underbelly. missed opp
only knock - no mention of the depravity of geffen’s tier of wealth. no allusion to the underbelly. missed opp
March 9, 2025
Excellent book! David Geffen is a complete psychopath but a true rags to riches story. The guy conquered Hollywood and did much for charity - namely AIDs causes. But he will always be know for his giant ego, pettiness and ruthlessness.
July 16, 2017
Current net worth ~ 7 billion
April 28, 2019
Revealing, honest, and highly recommended.
August 9, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed. Part of cannon to read if you’re interested in Hollywood career.
January 15, 2020
great insight
April 19, 2020
Not critical enough, but props to Tom King for laying the groundwork for others to build upon. He did we what he could given Geffen's power.
October 29, 2021
Read in 2000. Tell all book about movie and music mogul David Geffen.
September 28, 2022
This is one of the best business biographies I’ve ever read. David Geffen is quite the character.
July 23, 2023
Very complex guy. Would like to spread a sequel as this ended in early 2000.
May 15, 2022
THE OPERATOR teaches us about the life (so far) of David Geffen. He is an "operator" in the sense that he puts people together to succeed to their mutual benefit. He is an expert networker.
Geffen is reputed to be one of the richest men on earth. He recently sold his extremely expensive Malibu home to another richest man on earth, Jeff Bezos. Factoids like that fill this book, one after the other. They are what constitute its basic nature.
Another factoid: David Geffen is reputed to be the earth's largest polluter due to his collection of yachts that sail the seas.
Geffen is reputed to be one of the richest men on earth. He recently sold his extremely expensive Malibu home to another richest man on earth, Jeff Bezos. Factoids like that fill this book, one after the other. They are what constitute its basic nature.
Another factoid: David Geffen is reputed to be the earth's largest polluter due to his collection of yachts that sail the seas.
June 11, 2012
I find David Geffen's story incredibly interesting and this book chronicles his rise to industry dominance with great detail. The author tends to judge and moralize on Geffen's decisions so in parts it does not feel like impartial reporting but that could be a byproduct of the interviews he conducted and the people that he spoke with.
April 13, 2014
Recommended on a Business Biography List. You must love and accept yourself before you can love another. Geffen is quoted on happiness "Anyone who thinks money can buy happiness has never had much money." He ought to know.
August 16, 2007
David Geffen is a very powerful guy and his rise to power is well-chronicled in this book.
January 17, 2008
Fabulous read.
May 15, 2008
This was a decent personal look at Geffen but an unsatisfying business biography. Very gossipy. Was hoping for something more along the lines of "Disney Wars."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews