“Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work” is a smart, unexpectedly touching documentary about a year in the life of a comedienne that most people know little about. The portrait that emerges is of a woman who is vain, often irreverent, obsessive about her work, and, for the most part, honest. At 77, Rivers broke a lot of ground for stand-up comedy although she prefers to be known for her acting. Go figure. With all of her plastic surgery, she’s a joke in a culture that says women must be either young or classy and it hurts her when others comment on her extensive surgery. But all that really matters to her is her next gig and she panics if she doesn’t have a full calendar. With years of experience, Joan knows that one comeback can turn things around, which is what happens when she wins ‘Celebrity Apprentice.’
We hear about Rivers at her height, when Johnny Carson named her his official guest host. But after going to Fox for a doomed 1986 talk show of her own, Carson never spoke to her again. We hear about Edgar Rosenberg, the husband whose business sense led them into debt and who committed suicide in 1987. By the time the movie comes to an end, Rivers has become an oddly brave figure, soldiering on because she doesn’t have a private life. Being seen, being on stage, being in the public eye – that’s what’s important to Joan Rivers. So whether you love her or hate her, you’ll enjoy “Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work.” 6/13/10
1 comment:
“Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work” is a very interest snapshop of what makes her tick and why she does what she does. There are parts of this movie that are extremely funny and parts that help you touch her soul. Joan was very brave and transparent in this story at age 77. I recommend seeing this.....but don't take the kids.
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