Sunday, August 22, 2010

Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work

Movie name: Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work
Year of release: 2010
Director: Ricki Stern, Anne Sundberg
Stars: Joan Rivers
Genre: Documentary
Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 6

Synopsis:Documentary film-makers Ricki Stern and Anne Sundberg have previously focused their attention on the Genocide of Darfur in their documentary "The Devil Came on Horseback" and the conviction of a wrong man on "The Trials of Darryl Hunt". For their new project, they have decided to focus on comedienne, Joan Rivers, who has been in show business since the 60s. The film accompanies the actress through her tours, her anguishes, her family times and tries to capture what her career has been since the 60s till now. The film shows the effort and work that goes behind the whole stand up routine, preparation and stressful situations. What it does not show is how a personality like Joan Rivers actually lives - what is presented is the performer putting on a show, juggling multiple performances in different locations, never what happens when the drapes really fall. The brief moments that show a glimpse of the woman minus the show, are actually quite interesting, but all too brief. An interesting documentary, that could have been a lot more, but that as is, falls a bit short.

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