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      Public Speaking

      Released Feb 23, 2011 1h 22m Documentary List
      92% 12 Reviews Tomatometer 84% 1,000+ Ratings Audience Score Filmmaker Martin Scorsese examines the life and work of author Fran Lebowitz. Read More Read Less

      Audience Reviews

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      David F I got turned on to Fran Lebowitz by the recent Netflix series she did with Martin Scorsese, then I read ‘Social Studies' then this, and I've yet to be let down. This was great - hilarious, entertaining, witty, sophisticated. Fran Lebowitz defines Public Speaking as ‘talking back' and basically gives a big, long monologue full of autobiography, observation, and wisdom. Her humour is the sophisticated humour of the New Yorker, descended from the Algonquin round table and filtered through the Warhol Factory. I got personally offended when Fran was telling a story about obsessive stamp collectors turning out for the first day covers of the James Thurber stamp and Martin Scorsese was like, where was this? and she was like, wherever Thurber's from, I don't know, Cincinnati … It was like that New Yorker cover, View of the World from 9th Avenue (Thurber grew up in Columbus, Ohio). Very in-character, though. I through the best scene was when one of her fans gave her a book by another author with the same name to sign. Her puzzled reaction was utterly hilarious. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/14/23 Full Review william k Martin Scorsese grants a good friend a loving portrait, giving Lebowitz lots of room for her wit, quick mind and openly honest opinions. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member regardless of his film making notoriety, Scorsese's documentaries are by no means his finest work or some sort of exceptional products of the genre. however, what he lacks in idiosyncrasy he sure as hell makes up for in style warmth and most of all, the intriguing subject matters he picks out to tackle. this film subscribes to the same recipe and it's a laid-back but extensive conversational session with Fran Lebowitz, nostalgically recounting her early New York days. witty, charming, clever. a precious treat all around! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/21/23 Full Review Audience Member Endlessly interesting and funny as hell. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/22/23 Full Review Audience Member Fascinating film about a fascinating woman. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member Intelligent, intellectual and completely hilarious glimpse into the brilliance that is Fran Levowitz. A must see. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/29/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      Critics Consensus: Hall Pass Flunks

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      Public Speaking

      Fran Lebowitz in "Public Speaking." Fran Lebowitz in "Public Speaking." Fran Lebowitz in "Public Speaking." (L-R) Toni Morrison and Fran Lebowitz in "Public Speaking." Fran Lebowitz in "Public Speaking." Public Speaking (2010) Public Speaking (2010) Public Speaking (2010) Public Speaking (2010) Public Speaking (2010) View more photos

      Critics Reviews

      View All (12) Critics Reviews
      Moira MacDonald Seattle Times "Public Speaking" is an ode to the art of conversation, and it's a delight. Rated: 3.5/4 Nov 3, 2011 Full Review Lauren Wissot Slant Magazine We catch only glimpses below the surface of this whirlwind of wit as Scorsese steps out of the way and lets Lebowitz herself run the show. Rated: 2.5/4 Mar 2, 2011 Full Review David Fear Time Out By the end of this funny, insightful doc, you get a sense of an extraordinary mind that both fueled and fed the zeitgeist. Don't miss it. Rated: 4/5 Feb 23, 2011 Full Review Tara Thorne The Coast (Halifax, Nova Scotia) Nonetheless, this is high-brow entertainment of the wittiest order---a little cold, but so what? Nov 17, 2018 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Fran's sardonic humor is appealing. Rated: B+ May 11, 2014 Full Review Jeremy Heilman MovieMartyr.com Little seems sacred in Public Speaking, which makes it an invigorating reminder of a media culture that once was fueled by highbrow wit and provocation. Rated: 61/100 Jul 12, 2011 Full Review Read all reviews

      Movie Info

      Synopsis Filmmaker Martin Scorsese examines the life and work of author Fran Lebowitz.
      Director
      Martin Scorsese
      Producer
      Ted Griffin, John Hayes
      Distributor
      Rialto Pictures
      Genre
      Documentary
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Feb 23, 2011, Limited
      Release Date (DVD)
      May 24, 2011
      Box Office (Gross USA)
      $23.5K
      Runtime
      1h 22m