Bradley Cooperis back with another directorial feature,Is This Thing on, which marks his third film as a director afterA Star is BornandMaestro. The movie starsWill ArnettandLaura Dernand is inspired by the true story of British comedianJohn Bishop. While most details about the project are kept tightly under wraps till now. It’s been announced that the movie will make its world premiere at The New York Film Festival’s closing night.
To mark the occasion, Serchlight Pictures has unveiled the first look at the film with an image featuring Arnett. TheArrested Developmentactor is seen standing in a comedy club, the perfect way to introduce the movie’s tone and setting. While the image gives nothing away, it is certainly intriguing to see Arnett as an aspiring comedian.
What to Expect From ‘Is This Thing On’?
The movie follows Alex (Arnett) and Tess (Dern), a married couple who have reached an amicable end to their marriage, with two kids.The breakup marks the beginning of a midlife crisis and begins the “awkward stage of figuring out how to live separately while raising two boysand maintaining their friendships.” Dealing with their situation, Alex makes a dramatic career pivot to become a confessional stand-up comedian in New York City’s West Village, where he finds a new purpose and community.
The movie, which was shot in New York, has a very interesting premise; nonetheless, it’s not clear the what extent the real-life events have inspired it. WithA Star is Bornalso starringLady Gaga, Cooper had a fantastic directorial debut as the movie earned a 90 percent critics' approval onRotten Tomatoesand eight Oscar nominations. In 2023, Cooper returned withMaestro,co-starringCarey Mulligan, which earned a 78 percentRotten Tomatoesrating and seven Oscar nominations. So, for Copper’s fans, the expectation fromIs This Thing Onis high. He has proven his mettle, with the first two features showcasing a command of human emotions as well as subtle nuances that bring his characters to life. And with credits like theHangoverfranchise andSilver Linings Playbook, his sense of comedic timing is impeccable.
Along with Arnett as Alex, Laura Dern as Tess, two power-packed actors in the lead, the movie has a stellar cast, including Cooper as Alex’s best friend Arnie,along withSean Hayes,Andra Day,Amy Sedaris,Christine Ebersole,Ciarán Hinds,Chloe Radcliffe,Peyton Manning, andJames Tom, among many others.
Is This Thing Onwill have its world premiere on Friday, October 10 at The New York Film Festival. Check out the new image above and stay tuned to Collider for more such updates.
A Star is Born
A musician helps a young singer find fame as age and alcoholism send his own career into a downward spiral.
Source:Searchlight Pictures on X
