In his latest film behind the camera (and first serving as B camera operator), Bradley Cooper reminds us that comedy not only makes us laugh but it also gives us a peek into what lies behind the punchline. The film had a special screening at Austin Film Festival in IMAX and amongst the packed theater was I, laughing and thoroughly enjoying the film.
Inspired by the true story of John Bishop’s mid-life turn to comedy, and written by Bishop, Will Arnett, and Mark Chappell (See How They Run), Is This Thing On? tells the story of a middle-aged man, Alex (portrayed by Will Arnett), in the aftermath of a separation from his wife, Tess (Laura Dern), stumbles into the world of stand-up in New York. What started off as a mid-life “crisis” becomes a funny exploration of vulnerability, love, and self-discovery.
While yes, this movie is funny, among the biggest takeaways are the the stand-up sequences featuring real stand-up comics. It offers a peek behind the curtain into true stand up culture. There’s an energy and rhythm to these performance and comedy club scenes that feels lived-in, not just movie-set artificial. We see Alex wrestling internally with stage fright (or life fright), the moment when humor becomes confession, and his personal pain turning into something shareable. It’s clear the stand-up lifestyle is as much about risk, transparency, and embarrassment as it is about applause or a laugh.
At its heart, though, the film carries a love story. Not a early-2000s-rom-com for 20-somethings, but for people over 40 that have seemingly lost their way. For those who have built a life, experienced a marriage, raised children, and are now asking what’s next. Arnett and Dern bring a gorgeous chemistry that comforts in the high aches in the low. They serve truths about aging in life, in love, that feel so hard to face.
And for good measure, Andra Day gives a stunning supporting performance as the wife to Cooper’s character (of course Bradley makes an on-screen appearance – and is quite funny in doing so) who is somewhat an anchor to the core friend group in the film.
If there’s any takeaway: Is This Thing On? is more than a comedy about jokes. It’s a film that explores the questions in life we often avoid asking ourselves until you’re forced to reconcile what you’ve built with who you’ve became. If you’re interested in a film that makes you laugh and makes you feel good, it’s one you should absolutely add to your list. In theaters December 19th.
