Joan Rivers: A Piece Of Work

Joan Rivers: A Piece Of Work

DVD Rating: ****1/2

Reviewed by: Amber Wilkinson

Read Amber Wilkinson's film review of Joan Rivers: A Piece Of Work

The extras on this DVD are just about everything a fan of Joan Rivers and this documentary can hope for - more of the same. There is 85 minutes worth of additional material and almost all of it is just as absorbing as the footage that made the final cut. Rivers' vitality shines through here as it does in the film. There are sweet snippets involving her dogs and her grandson and more substantial pieces, such as Joan Talks About Her Comic Material, in which she dissects her act and what makes people laugh. It's interesting to hear her talk about the fact you can say "anything in England". "What do their censors do?" asks her collaborator. "Nap".

The Q&A from Sundance Film Festival is also included and, while the footage is very rough and ready, it gives a pretty good flavour of what it is like to be at the festival. The film was certanily one of the hottest tickets in town this year - I attended the equally mobbed press screening along with many who couldn't get into the 'main' event. Its fascinating to see her take audience comments that are not questions (Sundance audiences have a habit of making statements rather than asking anything) and make something of them, so that she volunteers information even when none is requested. All in all an excellent package.

Copy picture Reviewed on: 16 Nov 2010
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Honest and open portrait of the groundbreaking comedienne.
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Product Code: DOG 232

Region: 2

Ratio: 1.78:1

Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1

Extras: Joan In Edinburgh, Joan And Her Dogs, Joan Meets With Her Stylist, Joan Talks About Her Will, Joan Spends Time With Her Grandson, Joan Talks About Her Comic Material, Sundance Q&A, trailer


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