Bradley Cooper’s latest directorial effort, the divorce-centered comedy Is This Thing On?, premiered recently at the New York Film Festival but failed to capture the excitement typically associated with his name. Unlike his prior films such as A Star is Born and Maestro, Cooper adopted a supporting role while Will Arnett and Laura Dern lead the cast as a couple navigating a difficult separation.
A Tone That Misses the Mark on Modern Comedy
In contrast to his energetic and often irreverent presence on screen, Cooper’s film comes across as overly serious and uninspired. Is This Thing On? follows Alex Novak (Will Arnett) and his wife Tess (Laura Dern) as they manage the emotional fallout from ending a 20-year marriage. Rather than delivering sharp wit or dramatic tension, the movie relies heavily on clichés reminiscent of late-2010s comedy, evoking the shadow of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel but lacking its freshness and depth.
Alex spends his nights attempting stand-up comedy in New York City clubs, though his motivation remains unclear—he neither aspires to a professional career nor improves noticeably. Instead, the story leans on the tired trope of men avoiding therapy by turning to amateur performance. His jokes focus on stereotypical “dad bods” and personal misfortune, prompting laughs sporadically but never truly engaging the audience in his journey.
Bradley Cooper’s Familiar Themes of Flawed Men and Resilient Women
Cooper’s fascination with flawed male protagonists and their complex relationships with strong women is evident once again. While A Star Is Born featured a rehashed romantic tragedy with a standout Lady Gaga performance, and Maestro portrayed Leonard Bernstein through a contentious lens marked by problematic stereotypes, Is This Thing On? revisits messy gender dynamics in a contemporary setting. Alex, the hapless husband, contrasts sharply with Tess, a former Olympian volleyball player, amplifying the comedic tensions around their relationship.
The film’s intimate cinematography by Matthew Libatique forces the audience into close quarters with Alex, using repeated direct eye contact and tight framing. This technique attempts to create empathy or connection but often highlights Alex’s self-absorption instead. Despite owning some past mistakes, Alex remains disengaged from present responsibilities such as parenting their two sons. He appears more like a guest than a committed family member, arriving late to a birthday party without gifts and keeping distant during the festivities.
Supporting Cast Shines Even If The Lead Falters
Though Arnett’s portrayal of the struggling comedian falls flat at times, the supporting characters provide intermittent relief. Cooper plays “Balls,” a perpetually hopeful but unsuccessful actor who embraces his underdog status with chaotic charm. His pratfalls and optimistic outlook suggest an alternative, more accepting path to personal fulfillment beyond professional success.
Christine Ebersole, despite limited screen time, steals several scenes as Alex’s sharp-tongued mother. Her sarcastic humor cuts through the film’s sluggishness, creating lively moments that contrast with Arnett’s muted grumbling and Dern’s emotional depth. Laura Dern carries much of the dramatic weight as Tess, transitioning from affection to impatience and anger in a nuanced performance that captures the uncertainty and weariness of a troubled marriage. However, the narrative never fully explores her perspective on screen, reducing her emotional breakthroughs to phone conversations rather than directly engaging interactions with Alex.
Uneven Humor and a Lackluster Narrative Dimension
The humor in Is This Thing On? is inconsistent, with Alex’s stand-up routines often falling flat due to uninspired material or excessive self-deprecation. Yet, the film does present an unusual but refreshing notion: involvement in the arts can exist as a personal hobby without the pressure of becoming successful or highly skilled. This idea gains emphasis through Cooper’s “Balls,” a character who embraces his perpetual understudy role with a sense of joy.
A few real-life stand-up comedians appear throughout the film, enriching the depiction of the comedy scene. Notable contributors include Chloe Radcliffe, Jordan Jensen, and Reggie Conquest, whose presence adds authenticity to the setting. Former professional football player Peyton Manning also appears, providing an unexpected but intriguing addition to the ensemble. Meanwhile, Arnett, familiar to audiences from BoJack Horseman, fits comfortably into the role of the disillusioned middle-aged man yearning for validation.
Exploring Divorce Without Breaking New Ground
The film’s exploration of divorce avoids the usual bitterness typical of stories like Kramer vs. Kramer or Marriage Story. Its approach is more subdued and avoids legal battles or harsh confrontations. Nevertheless, it fails to challenge the enduring gender stereotypes that portray the man as flawed and disengaged and the woman as resilient and nurturing. This dynamic is exaggerated to a near-comical degree, reducing the story’s emotional resonance and the potential for deeper insight.
Alex’s detachment from his family life, especially his two young sons, underscores the film’s lack of awareness about the struggles and responsibilities inherent in separation and parenthood. His fragile attempts at humor and community offer little in the way of real growth or reconciliation, leaving viewers disconnected from his journey and hoping for a resolution that never truly feels earned.
Final Thoughts on Cooper’s Directorial Choice and the Film’s Outlook
Is This Thing On? marks a disappointing chapter in Bradley Cooper’s directing career. While his earlier projects like A Star Is Born and Maestro showed promise despite flaws, this latest work falls short on multiple fronts, including narrative drive, comedic impact, and character development. The film’s opening at the New York Film Festival and its scheduled theatrical release on December 19 suggest Cooper’s ongoing ambition as a filmmaker, but the uneven response raises questions about his ability to translate his star power into consistently engaging cinema.
Ultimately, the movie struggles to make its protagonist compelling or sympathetic, reducing the impact of its modest message about the complexities of divorce and personal reinvention. While the supporting cast provides moments of warmth and humor, the audience is left waiting for a spark that never quite arrives. Cooper’s latest might find some appeal among viewers curious about his directorial trajectory, but it is unlikely to generate the buzz or acclaim of his earlier ventures.
“Is This Thing On? is like its hero, unremarkable. The humor in it occasionally hits, but more often doesn’t.” ?Anonymous Critic
“His final scene suggests he’s found the key to happiness, and isn’t bothered by other people’s ideas of success.” ?Anonymous Critic
