Joan Rivers had an amazing career. Most people remember her for her red carpet shows and her products on QVC. Often forgotten is what a trailblazing woman she was. Please take a look at her life, career and impact in this fantastic documentary that you might have missed!
2010’s ‘Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work’ follows Rivers for a year. We see some of her triumphs and setbacks with what seems like unlimited access. The documentary makes two points that resonate with me. One, she works hard! She is always looking for gigs. Her assistant points out that Rivers is depressed if she has a day with only one event. She likes to have 3 or 4 jobs every day. Two, Rivers is under appreciated for all the work she has done. She was one of the first women who made their mark in the world of stand-up comedy. Kathy Griffin explains this very point in the film.
This is one extremely under-viewed documentary. It has only 3,800 ratings on IMDB with an average score of 7.3. By comparison ‘Iron Man 2’, which came out about the same time, has over 800,000 ratings. I am always hopeful that a newsletter like this one will encourage people to watch great movies.
‘Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work’ directors Ricki Stern and Ann Sundberg had total access. We see Rivers at her best and at her worst. I especially appreciate her showing how difficult it can be for older women to get respect and work in modern society. Too often valuable individuals, with much to offer, get overlooked.
This film is currently available on Tubi for free. Check it out for both laughs and insight into a Hollywood trailblazer. Also featured are Kathy Griffin, Melissa Rivers, Bill Maher, Don Rickles, Garry Shandling and many more comics.
Loved Joan. She could be abrasive but she always had her big girl panty's on and could take it as well as give it.
Oh, I shall watch it!