Mon Jan 12 04:20:00 UTC 2026: ### Bradley Cooper Scales Down Ambition with “Is This Thing On?” Exploring Confessional Comedy and Marital Strife

The Story:
Bradley Cooper’s latest film, “Is This Thing On?,” marks a departure from the grand narratives of “A Star Is Born” and “Maestro,” focusing on the more intimate story of Alex, a middle-aged salaryman played by Will Arnett, who rediscovers himself as a stand-up comedian at New York’s Comedy Cellar. The film explores the invigorating power of art and the revelation of dark truths, but this time within the context of open-mic nights and personal relationships. The narrative centers on Alex’s attempts to make emotional progress through his comedy and to reconcile with his wife, Tess, portrayed by Laura Dern.

Key Points:

  • “Is This Thing On?” is a dramedy loosely based on a British performer’s life, set against the backdrop of New York City’s Comedy Cellar.
  • The film focuses on a listless, middle-aged salaryman, Alex (Will Arnett), who rediscovers himself as a stand-up comic.
  • Laura Dern plays Tess, Alex’s wife, with whom he is trying to reconcile.
  • Bradley Cooper aims for a Cameron Crowe-esque tone, focusing on interpersonal relationships and emotional journeys, but the movie is criticized for being scattered.
  • The film avoids typical comedy tropes such as rags-to-riches stories or viral fame, instead using comedy as a means for character development.
  • The reviews leading up to the article’s release include “Is This Thing On? | Movie Reviews” suggesting the film was already available for review.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bradley Cooper is exploring more intimate and relatable themes after the large scope of “A Star is Born” and “Maestro.”
  • The film’s success hinges on its ability to balance the stand-up comedy narrative with the relationship drama.
  • Cooper is intentionally steering clear of common comedy movie tropes, focusing instead on character development.
  • The film represents a trend towards more prosaic storytelling, offering a break from action-heavy blockbusters.
  • The film is receiving mixed feedback for its scattered nature, suggesting it does not reach the heights of the director it is trying to emulate, Cameron Crowe.

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