Bradley Cooper's Unexpected Dramedy Finds Inspiration in UK Comedian's Journey
In a surprising creative turn, Bradley Cooper's latest directorial effort Is This Thing On? draws unexpected inspiration from the early career of beloved UK comedian John Bishop. This small-scale comedy drama, featuring standout performances from Will Arnett and Laura Dern, manages to transform what could have been conventional material into something genuinely affecting and thoughtful.
The Authentic World of Open Mic Comedy
For anyone familiar with the gritty reality of open mic comedy nights, Is This Thing On? captures the atmosphere with almost documentary-like precision. The film opens with a scene that will resonate with comedy veterans: financier Alex Novak, played with weary charm by Will Arnett, takes to the stage at Manhattan's legendary Comedy Cellar with absolutely no prepared material.
His solution? To mine the recent dissolution of his marriage to Tess, portrayed with subtle complexity by Laura Dern. "I think I'm getting a divorce," he begins, delivering the kind of observational humour that feels painfully authentic rather than cleverly constructed. What makes this approach refreshing is that Cooper's film never pretends Alex possesses extraordinary comedic talent – instead, it explores how creative expression can serve as emotional therapy.
Exploring Marriage Beyond Conventional Labels
The film's central strength lies in its nuanced examination of what happens when long-term relationships unravel without dramatic fireworks. Arnett and Dern share a delicate, believable chemistry as they navigate the confusing territory of amicable separation, where affection persists despite emotional distance.
Both characters are engaged in parallel journeys of self-rediscovery. Alex finds unexpected solace in the confessional nature of stand-up comedy, while former Olympic volleyball player Tess struggles to redefine herself beyond the roles of wife and mother. Cooper, who co-wrote the script with Arnett and Mark Chappell, demonstrates particular sensitivity in depicting these quiet identity crises.
Supporting Characters and Directorial Choices
The film expands its emotional landscape through well-drawn supporting characters, including Andra Day's Christine and Cooper's own performance as Balls, an actor completely immersed in his understudy role for Jesus Christ Superstar. These secondary relationships provide additional texture to the film's exploration of how people navigate frustration and connection.
Some directorial choices prove more successful than others. Cooper occasionally pushes the camera uncomfortably close to his actors' faces during intimate conversations, creating a sense of forced proximity that doesn't always serve the naturalistic tone. A late-film deployment of Queen's "Under Pressure" similarly feels like an overreach toward emotional grandeur.
A Worthy Addition to Cooper's Filmography
While Is This Thing On? may not achieve the sweeping impact of Cooper's previous works like A Star Is Born or Maestro, its modest scale proves to be one of its virtues. The film demonstrates a filmmaker genuinely invested in exploring the complex relationship between personal experience and creative expression.
Set primarily within the dingy basement of a New York comedy club, the film creates an intimate world where small emotional revelations carry significant weight. It's a thoughtful examination of how people use art not to escape their problems, but to better understand them – a premise that feels both timely and timeless.
Ultimately, Is This Thing On? succeeds through its commitment to emotional authenticity rather than comedic fireworks. It represents a different kind of creative risk for Cooper, one that pays off through subtle performances and genuine insight into the human condition.
