Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work

Type: Documentary

An honest and heartfelt snapshot of Joan Rivers, beyond her media portrayal. A Piece of Work concentrates little on the background of Joan Rivers and instead focuses on her current mentality in life and in her career, which we learn are one in the same. The upbringing of Joan Rivers is very much neglected as A Piece of Work discusses only briefly one aspect of her childhood - the roots of her acting inspiration. Still briefly, the documentary grazes over Rivers' early career and early family life as a wife and mother. Married only a few days following the initial meeting of her husband, Joan discusses their business relationship as the only relationship she had with her husband, a theme that presents itself in all of her relationships. In portraying her career, it becomes clear that Rivers' presence as an outspoken female comedian was only a result of (1) her lack of opportunities as an actress and (2) her gripping need to be in the entertainment business through any means possible. The alternate comedic route that Rivers' career took early on presented an ongoing theme in Joan's life - a constant pursuit of acceptance as an actress, not a comedian - a pursuit which viewers can assume will never end.

A Piece of Work shows Rivers as a work-a-holic; driven by a compelling need to feel acceptance, love and financial security. Her career is her life and her business relationships are her only relationships, with exception to her daughter. One of the more saddening moments in the documentary is when Joan must end a business relationship that she has maintained for decades. In reflection of losing this figure in her life, Joan relents on losing the only person in her life to whom she can say 'remember when'. This moment is one of many that reveal the immense insecurity, both socially and physically, that Joan Rivers inherently feels and the intensified insecurity that comes as a direct result of an opinionated media. As most view Rivers in the way she presents herself, a strong and confident woman who is unaffected by opinions, the deep insecurity Rivers reveals to cameras leaves viewers with an unexpected sadness and empathy. While A Piece of Work may have been intended to provoke a sense of respect for the hard working and persistent qualities of Rivers; it instead brings a sense of hope that one day Rivers will find peace in her life, appreciate her accomplishments and find love.

Lasting Reaction: Unexpected and Eye-opening