Public Speaking
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Nov 22, 2010
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9

Critic Reviews

  1. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    Dec 9, 2010
    60
    Without any framing background information, this affectionate documentary and its continual monologues can feel a little too insidery and indulgent.
  2. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: David Hinckley
    Dec 9, 2010
    60
    She seems distant and a little wary, like someone who has carefully built a comfortable life and sees no reason to invite a lot of strangers in. Her relationship with us is what she sees and shares. In the end, that seems fair enough.
  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Dec 9, 2010
    60
    Given the number of dunderheaded pundits holding forth nightly, Lebowitz does feel like a throwback to a wittier era. That said, Scorsese could have gotten his point across in a third less time--as Public Speaking demonstrates, twice over, how even ballsy Manhattan artist types can benefit from an editor's touch.
  5. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Hank Stuever
    Dec 9, 2010
    60
    Public Speaking often seems to be trying to relaunch the Fran Lebowitz brand, 25 years past its expiration date. It feels like the kind of movie that old friends would make about an old friend. Which is precisely what it is.

Awards & Rankings

31
#31 Best TV Season of 2010
95
#95 Most Discussed TV Season of 2010

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. jalyss
    Dec 17, 2010
    6
    When I ran across Public Speaking, the burning question of whatever happened to Fran Lebowitz was answered. She turned into a talking head.When I ran across Public Speaking, the burning question of whatever happened to Fran Lebowitz was answered. She turned into a talking head. Granted, she's a witty head, an infuriating head, an exasperating head, but nevertheless a talking head. I found her amusing, insightful, and someone yearning so much for the past it was painful. The movie is worth watching simply because it's thought provoking. As to Ms. Lebowitz's writer's block - why doesn't she just wear a tape recorder around her neck - oh, wait, she is so rabidly anti-tech that might kill her.… Full Review »
  2. mmasonhauser
    Dec 10, 2010
    9
    Great, great movie. I was in a Documentary mood, so i was looking through my HBO and saw this, and i didn't know who Miss Lebowitz was, so iGreat, great movie. I was in a Documentary mood, so i was looking through my HBO and saw this, and i didn't know who Miss Lebowitz was, so i said why not. I found myself glued to the screen through the whole movie. such a intelligent, clever. lady. very charming movie.… Full Review »
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