Bradley Cooper directs Will Arnett and Laura Dern in dramedy 'Is This Thing On?'

Bradley Cooper directed and stars in the dramedy Is This Thing On? alongside Will Arnett and Laura Dern, a film the three say draws on decades of shared friendship and was shot in New York comedy clubs.

In the film Arnett plays Alex, a married father facing a divorce from Tess (Dern) who finds an emotional outlet in standup. Cooper helped Arnett and his writing partner Mark Chappell develop the script, which the report says is loosely based on the life of British comedian John Bishop. Cooper also served as a camera operator and appears as a friend nicknamed Balls; the production was shot on a shoestring in a quasi‑guerrilla style, using real comedians and even Cooper’s dogs.

All three actors are in their 50s and said their familiarity, in‑jokes and history show up onscreen. Critics have responded positively, especially to Arnett’s dramatic turn, and the cast described audience reactions, including one viewer who said the movie helped her relationship. Further release details and commercial prospects were not discussed in the interview cited.

Key Topics

Culture, Bradley Cooper, Will Arnett, Laura Dern, Standup Comedy, John Bishop