There have been many comedians who have become movie stars, but there has been a dearth of them in the world of comedy. Stand-up is a method used to tell stories, and it is much less interesting when jokes have to be explained; A comedian creates an entire world on stage as he draws the listener’s attention, and delving deeper is like learning what’s behind the scenes of a movie. “Is this thing turned on?” He escapes these challenges because he views stand-up performance as a therapeutic process. As empowering as listening to an enthusiastic audience can be, it is no excuse to avoid personal growth.
Is this thing running? (2025) is the third directorial effort from Bradley Cooper, who has already proven himself to be one of the most ambitious and dynamic actors of his generation. Clearly someone who understands artistic endeavors and wants to delve into the psychology of artists, Cooper has helped reinvent a classic musical with his remake of “A Star is Born” and explored the life of the iconic composer with his sophomore effort “Maestro.” “Is this thing turned on?” It’s loosely inspired by a true story, but it could easily represent many struggling people who have found catharsis through comedy. It’s a sign of maturity on Cooper’s part that he’s not only comfortable celebrating the joys of supposedly “normal” life, but also that the film’s improvisational portion is merely a gateway to deeper contemplation on marriage and mental health.
“Is this thing turned on?” The film revolves around Alex Novak (Will Arnett), who is going through a separation from his wife Tess (Laura Dern), a former star volleyball player. Alex and Tess do not necessarily show hostility towards each other, but they were unable to balance responsibilities, which led them to share custody of their two young sons. Alex may find occasional sympathy from his best friend Arnie (played by Cooper), but he also finds himself drinking alone in an attempt to drown his sorrows. After accidentally stumbling into a comedy club, Alex finds himself on stage during an open mic night; Although he never intended to become a comedian, his honest confessions about the failures in his marriage made him a surprise star on the midnight circuit.
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“Is this thing turned on?” He effectively captures the chaos and creativity that comes from this kind of environment, where the audience is willing to accept a performer whose style seems avant-garde, unfocused, and even goofy. Alex doesn’t become an overnight sensation, but he feels empowered when his humorous tales are met with sympathetic laughter from an audience that seems to be on his side. Cooper shows an exceptional level of patience and specificity in charting Alex’s growth within this niche group; At no point will he become a celebrity or develop into a flawless professional overnight. Even if it was the frustrating honesty that first caught Alex’s attention, his persistence as a character within the comedy is a result of his hard work developing routines.
These routines draw great inspiration from Alex’s frustrating dynamic at home. The scenes of marital infighting are captivating because Cooper realizes that a couple who have been married for more than two decades would pick up on each other’s rhythms; Alex is frustrated by his unhappiness, and Tess no longer wants to stay stagnant and watch opportunities slip away. The beauty of the story is that Cooper spends time with both characters finding their passions individually, as Alex’s continued focus on comedy is intertwined with Tess’s return to training. Seeing these two characters revolve around each other while acknowledging their mutual growth makes for a wonderful story about second chances and self-love.
Dern is well cast as a tainted but high-spirited leader who wants to make clear statements about her goals, but it’s Arnett’s disarming sensitivity that makes “Is This Thing On?” Such an exciting audience. Arnett has had a knack for physical comedy and stand-up since his time on “Arrested Development,” but those familiar with his poignant portrayal of middle-aged angst on the animated series “BoJack Horseman” know he can play flawed, self-loathing sadbags. “Is this thing turned on?” It is a consolidation of those skills, as Arnett finds warmth within a character who finds rewards through experience, even if he considers himself long past his prime. The most important decision Cooper made was to portray Alex as a flawed but determined character; Alex may not have been a perfect father or husband, but his desire to improve makes his extraordinary journey through stand-up all the more emotionally resonant.
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It’s easy to imagine that the kind of rickety, off-kilter production from an established star like Cooper would have ended up sounding like a frivolous project, but “Is This Thing On” takes a deliberately casual, ensemble approach to capturing genuine moments that have more in common with a John Cassavetes or a Mike Nichols than any number of failed actors-turned-directors. The attention to detail Cooper brings is not limited to the isolated world of stand-up, as he shows the same degree of careful construction in his depiction of old friends all facing the pleasures and pains of middle age. Cooper’s eclectic supporting cast includes the hilarious Andra Day as Alex and Tess’s lifelong friend, as well as apt portrayals of Alex’s parents by Ciarin Hinds and Christine Ebersole. The fact that Cooper portrays himself as a loser with a heart of gold is not only a sign of humility, but a sign of confidence that he can best contribute to the story by fulfilling the necessary ensemble role.
Some may balk at asking, “Is this thing on?” As a plotless attempt to demythologize a great art form, Cooper finds something inspiring, moving, and often funny in the idea of self-discovery and connection. While it’s quite respectful to show a more humble and stand-up side than what’s usually seen on screen, Does This Thing Exist is also the rare “drama” capable of eliciting laughter and tears in equal measure. Cooper’s interest in directing has been hailed as a nice turn from an established star, but if he continues to make great films like Is This a Thing, Cooper’s efforts as a director may overshadow his talents as an actor.
