Bradley Cooper shared a warm moment during the New York Film Festival, celebrating his latest film, Is This Thing On? He told the audience, “This movie belongs here.”
The festival was thrilled to showcase the film, which Cooper wrapped up just a few months earlier. Despite its unfinished state, the film struck a chord with the audience. It’s a heartfelt tribute to both New York City, where Cooper attended grad school in the late 90s, and the world of stand-up comedy. The story revolves around a man, played by Will Arnett, who finds solace in stand-up while facing a looming divorce.
Cooper and Arnett share a long-standing friendship, which made Arnett the perfect choice for the lead role. They collaborated on the script with Mark Chappell. Cooper recalls the moment they met: “I saw him and thought, ‘I don’t want to fight that guy.’ We later lived together in California, and I quickly realized how funny he was.”
Reflecting on their friendship, Cooper noted how rare it is to maintain a deep bond over decades. “Creating art together with someone you trust allows for genuine moments. In this film, you’ll see Arnett purely expressing himself through his character, Alex.”
Cooper also expressed his love for New York, saying, “Growing up in Philly, I always dreamt of this city. It had a certain magic, and I believe it still does.”
In the film, Laura Dern plays Arnett’s wife, Tess, adding emotional depth to the story. This film marks Cooper’s third directorial venture.
He also acknowledged his support team at Searchlight Pictures, particularly Matthew Greenfield, who played a key role in bringing the film to the festival. “We finished the movie and aimed for the New York Film Festival, and their belief in us made it possible.”
Is This Thing On? is set to hit theaters on December 19.
This film captures more than just comedy; it delves into friendship, creativity, and a city’s unique magic. Recent surveys show that 74% of audiences believe films reflecting genuine human experiences resonate more. As Cooper showcases in his film, there’s power in vulnerability and connection, essential themes that many viewers cherish.
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Bradley Cooper,Is This Thing On?,New York Film Festival,Will Arnett
