Mon Jan 12 04:20:00 UTC 2026: # “Is This Thing On?”: A Dramedy Forged in Friendship Hits the Screen
The Story:
A new dramedy titled “Is This Thing On?” starring Will Arnett and Laura Dern, directed by Bradley Cooper, explores themes of divorce, self-discovery through stand-up comedy, and the power of long-standing friendships. The film draws heavily from the actors’ and director’s real-life experiences and relationships, with Cooper, Arnett, and Dern leveraging their decades-long connections to create an authentic and relatable narrative.
Key Points:
* The film stars Will Arnett and Laura Dern, and is directed by Bradley Cooper.
* The narrative explores a divorcing couple, with Arnett’s character finding solace in stand-up comedy.
* Cooper, Arnett, and Dern have known each other for 25 and 10 years respectively.
* The film was shot in a quasi-guerrilla style in New York comedy clubs.
* Cooper served as a camera operator and plays a supporting role.
* The script is loosely based on the life of British comedian John Bishop.
Key Takeaways:
* The film highlights the growing trend of actors and directors drawing inspiration from their personal lives and experiences.
* The project demonstrates the potential for collaborative creativity when fueled by genuine friendship and shared history.
* Low-budget, independent filmmaking can attract established talent when the project resonates with their artistic interests.
First Piper 