Toronto – When you mention Joan Rivers these days, all you really think of is the plastic surgery and all the red carpet hi-jinx she gets into at award shows for the E! Network, where she probably comes off as half-wacko, half-bitter brash comedienne. Many people have forgotten/do not know about her trailblazing ways as a brash female comedy in the 60s and 70s and this documentary, directed by Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg, looks past all the recent history and reveals to us the real person behind Joan Rivers – a tireless workaholic always looking to prove herself to her detractors.
I thoroughly enjoyed the documentary – it was hilarious and really did go behind the scenes of what it is like to be a (fading) celebrity. Joan Rivers is funny and well aware of what it’s like to be in the “industry”. You really get an appreciation for how hard she works, although you do feel a hint of sadness at the fact that at 75 years old, she is still trying to prove herself and get into the spotlight. My only qualm with the film is that it doesn’t really address why she decided to do all that plastic surgery. There was a few minutes on it and that’s about it.
You should probably see this if you are a fan of pop culture or are looking for a good funny documentary.
Joan Rivers, A Piece of Work plays again MONDAY, May 3rd at 4:00 at Isabel Bader Theatre.
Did she talk about her husband, Edgar’s, suicide at all? I guess that was done ad nauseam in the 90’s (probably the same reason why they didn’t cover the plastic surgery–it’s been done to death and she probably doesn’t like talking about it now) but that’s heavy burden to carry. He apparently offed himself after her talk show in Fox failed because he blamed himself.
I like Joan, but I think I may be the only one. I just wish she’d be remembered for something other than bad costume jewelry and the red carpet when she goes.
yeah they talked about it..
I always thought of Joan Rivers as a host on E! I never knew she had such a huge and influential comedy career. She was the permanent guest host for the tonight show with Johnny Carson for cryin out loud!
I’ve been a JR fan forever, and I know how much more to her there is besides what the media says. I know her new doc will finally speak the uncensored truth.
Can We Talk? I can’t wait till Joan Rivers A Piece of Work comes to Chicago this Friday! I heard it was the number one