Bradley Cooper’s Marriage Story

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While titled *Is This Thing On?*, the film is more focused on a man’s personal journey than on comedy itself – which is smart, considering how hard it is to make a good movie about stand-up. Most fictional comedians are portrayed as either deeply troubled or wildly out of touch, but Alex Novak, played by Will Arnett, is different. He’s a recently divorced financial professional who unexpectedly tries stand-up as a way to cope with loneliness. He doesn’t instantly become a sensation like in *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel*; instead, he finds a simple release in sharing his experiences and turning painful moments into relatable humor. He used to be the funny friend, and on stage, he rediscovers that part of himself, learning how to use it to connect with an audience.

The story of a middle-aged man navigating a divorce and trying stand-up comedy in New York doesn’t sound like much, even with Will Arnett – known for playing divorced characters – co-writing the script. However, this film, directed by Bradley Cooper, who excels at realistic relationship stories, focuses less on the comedy and more on the breakdown of Alex’s marriage to Tess (Laura Dern), a former Olympic athlete who now stays at home with their children. Inspired by comedian John Bishop’s life, the film shows that Alex and Tess’s marriage had been struggling for a while before they separate. They manage to maintain a friendly facade, even pretending to still be together at a party, but the separation is inevitable. Despite agreeing they need space, they struggle to understand what went wrong, and they try to reassure their two sons that everything is okay.

For Alex, performing stand-up isn’t just about telling jokes; it’s a way to connect with other comedians and also work through their issues publicly. Things get complicated when Tess, recently single, unexpectedly shows up at a club where he’s performing. Suddenly, they’re able to honestly discuss their past mistakes and what they still appreciate about each other. After their chance meeting, Tess confronts Alex, exclaiming, “I can’t believe you slept with someone!” – a comment sparked by a story he told on stage. Surprisingly, her reaction isn’t angry or spiteful (they *were* taking a break), but a refreshingly honest blend of humor, regret, and vulnerability. Arnett plays a familiar character – cynical and self-critical – but Dern truly shines as a woman who’s genuinely unsure of what she wants and is figuring it out as she goes, which is captivating to watch.

Filmmaker Bradley Cooper has moved from the sweeping romance of his remake of *A Star Is Born* to the more formal biopic *Maestro*, and now to *Is This Thing On?*, a smaller, independent film. Despite the different styles, all three explore themes of marriage. *Is This Thing On?* examines a relationship after its end, surprisingly revealing that sparks still remain as each person rediscovers their own passions. The conversations between Alex and Tess feel mature and insightful – they’ve gained enough perspective to see each other as individuals, beyond their shared past. While perhaps not as traditionally ‘arty’ as *Maestro* (which screened at the New York Film Festival two years ago), *Is This Thing On?* is highly enjoyable. Cooper appears in a supporting role as Alex’s hilariously over-the-top actor friend, stealing many of the laughs, and demonstrates a strong talent for directing, with a keen eye for camera work and lighting.

During Alex’s initial stage performance, the camera focuses closely on the performer, deliberately lingering during awkward pauses and avoiding shots of the audience. The film isn’t concerned with how the act is *received*, but with how it *feels* for Alex. Only towards the end does the camera pull back for a broader view. The film treats its subjects with kindness and understanding, recognizing that for some, a hobby isn’t just a pastime – it’s a deeply personal pursuit, a search for self-expression played out on a Greenwich Village stage during a brief moment in the spotlight.

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2025-10-11 01:54