In a candid London hotel suite conversation, acclaimed actors Laura Dern and Andra Day opened up about their experiences working with director Bradley Cooper on his forthcoming comedy-drama 'Is This Thing On?'. The film, which explores themes of divorce and personal reinvention, features Dern as Tess and Day as her on-screen best friend, with Will Arnett playing the estranged husband who turns to stand-up comedy.
A Collaborative and Supportive Environment
Both performers emphasised the uniquely supportive atmosphere fostered by Cooper during production. "Bradley said, 'What are we missing? You inform us about these female characters. You help us build them, and this sisterhood,'" Dern revealed, highlighting the director's collaborative approach. Day echoed this sentiment, noting her initial apprehensions about transitioning from music to acting were alleviated by Cooper's guidance. "If I was aware of the depth of what I was getting into, I think I would have run away," Day admitted. "But I've realised that those butterflies you get... the pressure cooker sometimes makes the best meal."
Physicality and Character Development
Dern, standing at 5ft 11in, discussed how her height influenced her casting opposite the 6ft 2in Will Arnett. "It means that when Will and I are sitting side by side, we're the same height," she explained. "And it's crazy to be in a scene with a male actor, and we're actually looking straight into each other's eyes, you know?" This physical parity was crucial for portraying an "evenly matched" couple, with Dern adding that she needed to appear "formidable" when confronting her character's husband about their failing relationship.
The actor also shared personal anecdotes about industry challenges related to her stature. "Oh, 150 times!" Dern exclaimed when asked if she'd been turned down for roles due to her height. "I was 5ft 11 at 12 years old and acting already, so I was losing parts constantly!"
Creative Kinship and Trusted Collaborators
Dern and Day first met briefly years ago at one of Day's performances, where they felt an immediate connection. "We felt a genuine connection, for sure," Dern recalled. "So when Bradley told us we were getting to do this, we knew we were safe to dive in and share our secrets." This trust extended to their discussions about their respective creative mentors.
Dern reflected on her long-standing collaboration with director David Lynch, describing his "unconditional trust" as comparable to maternal love. "I once said to my mom that David's unconditional trust in me is something I'd only ever felt from her," she shared. "It's that kind of love where they just believe in you so much. [He] saw things in me I didn't see in myself."
Similarly, Day spoke warmly about working with Lee Daniels, director of 'The United States vs Billie Holiday'. "You know that you're in the hands of somebody who really does care about you," she said, adding she would play "a live-action Kermit the Frog" for him if asked.
Confronting Hollywood Ageism and Societal Pressures
The conversation took a serious turn as both actors addressed the pervasive issue of ageism, particularly affecting women in the entertainment industry. Dern expressed concern about increasing societal pressures regarding appearance. "Lately, I have never seen more shame around ageing and women as public figures, and it's just so tragic," she stated. She contrasted this with admiring friend Sheryl Crow, whom she described as "more badass than ever" and "hotter than ever" with age.
Day voiced her determination to resist conforming to restrictive social expectations. "I'm doing away with the social rules of what you're supposed to be doing at this age," she declared. "I'm not going to do any of the shrinking that people or society has – even unconsciously – required of me. I'm going to break the rules, actually."
The 'Preventative Botox' Phenomenon
Dern highlighted what she sees as a disturbing trend towards early cosmetic interventions. "I remember, when I was a child, hearing her friends talk about the pressure at 70 to get a facelift if you wanted to keep working," she said, referring to her mother's generation. "But now I'm hearing my 21-year-old daughter's friends say, 'You should get Botox now so that you're never wrinkled.'"
Day interjected with "Preventative Botox!" to which Dern responded emphatically, "It's tragic!" She criticised this as consumer-driven manipulation, drawing parallels with historical tobacco advertising. "They're just making money," Dern argued. "They're saying we'll have a whole generation of girls buying our products if we say it's 'preventative'. But we're supposed to be the ones to not buy into it, right?"
Evolution and Artistic Growth
Both artists reflected on their personal and professional journeys, emphasising continuous evolution. Dern described realising that life doesn't have "stopping points" after achieving goals. "Actually, we need to let ourselves be ever-evolving," she concluded. Day related this to her own experience venturing into acting in her thirties. "Even once you've reached something, there is still more," she observed. "You don't have to accept the idea that there's something wrong with you if you feel restless."
As the interview concluded, Day summarised the impact of Dern's insights with affectionate humour. "Listen," she laughed. "She says something, and that's the new truth." Their camaraderie and shared perspectives underscored a powerful message about artistic collaboration, personal authenticity, and challenging industry norms as 'Is This Thing On?' prepares for its cinematic release.
