They say that to be a professional comedian requires an inherent insecurity, lingering fear of failure, and a fiery drive to succeed. This long-held assumption about comedians was confirmed in the excellent 2002 documentary "Comedian", and this theme is again explored in the terrific new documentary "Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work". Uproariously funny, remarkably candid, and surprisingly moving, this film takes us inside a year in the life of one of the world's greatest comediennes, Joan Rivers.
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What makes this documentary so refreshing and rewarding is the unfiltered honesty with which Rivers herself assesses her own life and career. She never attempts to sugarcoat her struggles. Rivers speaks readily and openly about her trials, tribulations, and tragedies. When talking about these downfalls, Rivers expresses the type of raw, authentic emotion that makes her such an endearing presence onscreen. One cannot help but walk out of this movie with a deeper appreciation and admiration for Joan Rivers.
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But make no mistake: "Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work" is in no way maudlin or patronizing in its' portrayal of Rivers, nor is the film grounded in moments of her career tumult. In fact, the overall tone of this film is one of radiant joy, a celebration of Rivers' larger-than-life personality. Rivers is unquestionably one of the greatest stand-up comedians of all-time, and she is at her comedic best in this film. Scenes of her stand-up acts, past and present, all deliver enormous laughs. Very few comics are able to mix extreme raunch and irresistible charm as seamlessly as Rivers. She is a true comedic genius.
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Now even if you do not share my appreciation for Rivers' comedy, and even if you view her as nothing more than a poster girl for plastic surgery mishaps, I strongly urge you to see "Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work". This is a wonderful documentary from Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg, a film that is hilarious, heartfelt, and unflinching, much like Joan Rivers herself.
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