Review of Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work (2010) by Samantha S — 09 Jan 2011

For the sake of Full Disclosure -- I can't stand Joan Rivers. In fact, I think she has become such a joke on the entertainment circuit that its hard to take anything she says or does seriously.

So, obviously, the next question should be - Why on earth would you devote 90 minutes to watch a biographical documentary on her?

Well, the answer is simple -- I was curious. I had read and heard so many positive things about this film, I had to check it out.

My opinion on Joan Rivers has been changed. What a charismatic, hard working comedienne who only wants to continue with the success she's seen over the last 40 years in the entertainment business. Joan Rivers is so completely misunderstood - she is more than just the maven of plastic surgery. Sure, she's a comedienne, but she's also an actress, a mother, and a business woman - and she excels at all those roles.

This very funny documentary follows Rivers for a year as she turns 75 and tries like hell to reinvent her career through her appearances in the stand up comedy circuity, a reality show and her own jewelery line on QVC.

Riddled with tid-bits from her past, and archival television footage shows how this struggling stand-up comic started, found success and continues to maintain that success. In some respects, she stands as an inspiration that if you really want success - you need to go get it -- success won't come to you. This is a portrait of a woman who very well may be the hardest working woman in show business.

I thoroughly enjoyed this film and I think you will too. In fact, if nothing else, you'll gain a little bit more respect for Joan Rivers.