Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work (2010)

Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work (2010) delves into the life of Joan Rivers over the course of a year, portraying her as an actress at heart, with her comedic and writing careers being natural extensions of her acting prowess. At 75, Rivers reflects on her over four-decade-long career, which has seen its share of highs and lows. The year preceding the documentary's filming was particularly challenging, with fewer engagements than she desired. This scarcity of work is not just about maintaining her lavish lifestyle but also about fulfilling her deep-seated need for validation and self-worth. Despite her iconic status, Rivers feels overshadowed by younger comedians like Kathy Griffin, who she admires but also sees as a rival for the spotlight she once commanded. Throughout the year, the documentary captures Rivers' relentless pursuit of engagements, from high-profile events like the Kennedy Center Honors for George Carlin and a double bill with Don Rickles in New York to her own celebrity appearances.