Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work
User Score
8.1 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23

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  1. AustinW.
    Jun 13, 2010
    9
    A really well done documentary. It neither lionizes her nor defames her, but just shows her life, with its triumphs and failures. I was expecting a funny fluff piece, but it was insightful, entertaining and poignant. And funny.
  2. NathanT
    Jun 14, 2010
    10
    Wanted to watch it again as soon as I was done.
  3. Tony
    Dec 14, 2010
    9
    Both intimate and heartfelt, this is a hilarious documentary that details Rivers' dedication to comedy and success. Rivers is a national treasure, and hopefully she will finally get the respect she deserves. It's a shame this didn't make the Oscars' Documentary Feature shortlist.
  4. OscarPicks2010
    Dec 16, 2010
    9
    I was surprised of the movie not being recognized by the Academy of Documentary. I guess they don't want anything to do with Joan Rivers, and that's the whole point of the documentary. The doc started out with Joan Rivers' lowpoint of her career (when she's already 70 years old), and it progresses with Rivers working her way up again. The film demonstrates how the once comedic icon and well known star turned into "a piece of work". With her comedic talents blending with her sad emotions, Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work is a snub that the Academy missed out on. OscarBuzz: NONE, that's the point!… Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
79 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: Peter Rainer
    75
    The film's biggest unexplored question: Why is someone with a reputation for laying bare the truth so addicted to plastic surgery?
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  2. The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
    Reviewed by: Stephen Cole
    75
    Succeeds because the subject knows she's a showbiz monster and plays her role to the hilt. She's Norma Desmond in "Sunset Blvd." or "Mommie Dearest's" Joan Crawford up from the grave.
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  3. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: John DeFore
    80
    A highly entertaining documentary revealing a serious talent behind the one-note present-day reputation.
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