Review of Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work (2010) by Dillinger P — 06 Sep 2014

It's hard to review this film, as for I have never been a huge fan of the comedian. But also in the recent light of her death, it adds a very bitter touch to a very well executed documentary. As a piece of work this is excellent, a very well thought out and executed piece of art.

However, ironically, it is the stars struggling ability to stay relevant that adds the fuel to the fire of this doc, like her critics however, it also acts as a double edges sword and ends up making me do something else entirely.

This film makes me loathe the woman. I'll accept that she paved the way for female comedians, i'll accept that, even though im not a fan of her work, she has made people laugh for decades. I will accept that this woman works her ass of in order to stay relevant, but her whole demenour, attitude and need for exotic lifestyle make me question this woman as a person.

The story is pretty straight forward and old and struggling artist cant get any work, shes scared, shes angry and decides to put on a play at the fringe and on london's west end, about HER life in order to ignite her career.

This is ultimately the core of the documentary and i'll give it kudos, it does this very well. It's well produced, it has all the relevant contributers. It's just I cannot stand this woman.

I cant. Simply put, having to watch a film that documents her life was pretty aggrivating and at times tedious. Thank god the film makers behind it knew what they were doing, which made it bearable. Im sure for fans of her this is a power watch.

For me however it just made me resent her more as an artist.