Key Highlights
- Searchlight Pictures has released a new trailer for “Is This Thing On?”, directed by Bradley Cooper.
- The film will have its world premiere as the closing-night film of the New York Film Festival on October 10, 2023.
- The movie stars Will Arnett and Laura Dern, focusing on their characters navigating divorce and new purpose in comedy.
- Bradley Cooper also directed two previous films: “A Star Is Born” (2018) and “Maestro” (2023).
The New Comedy-Dramedy from Bradley Cooper
“Is This Thing On?” is a latest addition to the ever-growing list of films directed by actor-turned-director Bradley Cooper. The movie, slated for release on December 19, 2023, promises to be a unique blend of comedy and drama. According to its official logline, “As their marriage quietly unravels, Alex (Will Arnett) faces middle age and an impending divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene while Tess (Laura Dern) confronts the sacrifices she made for their family — forcing them to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether love can take a new form.”
A Broadway Backdrop
The film’s setting is deeply rooted in New York City, which Cooper describes as an “energy-injecting” backdrop that cannot be replicated. The multi-hyphenate, who has already directed two films himself, expressed his honor and humbled feelings about premiering the movie at the New York Film Festival. “NYC injects an energy into every aspect of filmmaking that just can’t be replicated,” said Cooper.
Cast and Creative Team
The cast includes veteran actors Will Arnett as Alex, Laura Dern as Tess, and newcomer John Bishop, who inspired the movie’s story. The creative team behind “Is This Thing On?” also boasts notable figures such as Weston Middleton, Kris Thykier, and the co-writers Mark Chappell and Will Arnett himself.
Reception and Industry Buzz
The film has garnered some mixed reactions from social media users. Some viewers praised it for its timely exploration of midlife crises through comedy, while others questioned its originality compared to shows like “Mrs. Maisel.” Despite the skepticism, industry insiders remain hopeful about Cooper’s latest directorial effort.
