Review of Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work (2010) by Ryan S — 12 Jun 2010

Awfully funny, terribly sad and completely gripping, this documentary about a year in the life of Joan Rivers is a complete and welcome surprise. A flinty survivor who is so much more aware of her place in pop culture than you could ever give her credit for, Rivers is mesmerizing in this film, and it's a joy to watch.

If you think you know her, you're both right and wrong, because she's everything you expect and so much more. The film also charts the rise, fall, rise and fall again of this articulate and ultimately brave lady who truly was (and may well continue to be) a barrier smashing groundbreaker.

I don't think I have ever truly appreciated the doors she crashed through to get where she is. And though she may be the butt of many of them, by the end of the film you will be shocked by how much you realize that Joan Rivers is no joke.