Bradley Cooper returns to directing with his new movie, Is This Thing On, scheduled for its world premiere on October 10 at The New York Film Festival. The film stars Will Arnett in an unexpected role as a novice stand-up comedian, alongside Laura Dern, and draws inspiration from the life of British comedian John Bishop. This Bradley Cooper directorial new movie marks his third time at the helm, following his acclaimed projects A Star is Born and Maestro.
Searchlight Pictures has released the first promotional image revealing Arnett’s character standing in a comedy club, suggesting the movie’s intimate setting and light comedic elements. Despite limited details available at this stage, the glimpse prompts curiosity about Arnett’s transformation into a struggling comedian navigating life’s challenges.
The Story Behind ‘Is This Thing On’ and Its Characters
The plot centers on Alex, played by Will Arnett, and Tess, portrayed by Laura Dern, a couple amicably ending their marriage while raising two children. This separation triggers a midlife crisis for Alex, who decides to reinvent himself by pursuing a stand-up comedy career in New York City’s West Village. The film explores the complexities of managing personal transitions during separation, highlighted by the
“awkward stage of figuring out how to live separately while raising two boys and maintaining their friendships.”
Shot entirely in New York, the movie mixes humor and emotional depth, continuing the thematic strengths Cooper displayed in his earlier directorial works. While drawing from true-life events, the precise level of biographical accuracy remains unclear. Cooper’s debut with A Star is Born, which featured Lady Gaga, earned critical acclaim, boasting a 90 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and eight Oscar nominations. His follow-up, Maestro, which starred Carey Mulligan, received seven Oscar nominations and a solid 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, raising anticipation for this newest project.
Notable Cast and Supporting Roles
In addition to Arnett and Dern, the film includes a strong ensemble cast featuring Bradley Cooper himself playing Alex’s best friend Arnie. Other notable actors involved are Sean Hayes, Andra Day, Amy Sedaris, Christine Ebersole, Ciarán Hinds, Chloe Radcliffe, Peyton Manning, and James Tom. This diverse cast brings life to the story’s exploration of personal growth, family dynamics, and the pursuit of creative fulfillment.
Significance and Audience Expectations
The premiere at The New York Film Festival signals high confidence in the film’s quality and appeal. Considering Cooper’s successful directorial track record balancing emotional storytelling with moments of humor, audiences can expect a thoughtful portrayal of reinvention and resilience. For fans familiar with Cooper’s acting credentials in comedy films like the Hangover series and Silver Linings Playbook, this new project offers a fresh but familiar exploration of comedic timing and heartfelt character development.
As Bradley Cooper’s directorial new movie moves toward its debut, it promises to deliver both laughter and introspection rooted in real experiences, positioning itself as a notable entry in the festival circuit and Cooper’s growing directorial portfolio.
