Bradley Cooper’s Is This Thing On? to Close the 63rd New York Film Festival
The 63rd edition of the New York Film Festival (NYFF) is set to culminate with the premiere of Is This Thing On?, directed by Bradley Cooper. This highly anticipated film from Searchlight Pictures features a stellar cast including Will Arnett and Laura Dern, who portray Alex and Tess Novak—a couple navigating the complexities of a marriage at a crossroads.
As parents of two young boys, Alex and Tess come to a mutual, albeit sorrowful, decision to separate. This life-altering choice leads them on unexpected journeys of self-discovery, with Alex taking a bold leap into the world of stand-up comedy in New York City’s vibrant West Village. There, he not only finds his voice but also a sense of community and direction. The screenplay, co-written by Cooper, Arnett, and Mark Chappell, draws inspiration from British comedian John Bishop.
Following the success of A Star Is Born and Maestro (NYFF61), Is This Thing On? showcases Cooper’s remarkable ability to delve into the intricacies of human relationships. NYFF describes the film as “both lacerating and sweet-souled, funny and tender,” highlighting Cooper’s unique storytelling prowess.
The film features a talented supporting cast, including Andra Day, Christine Ebersole, Ciarán Hinds, Sean Hayes, Peyton Manning, and Amy Sedaris, along with standout performances from New York-based comedians Chloe Radcliffe, Reggie Conquest, and Jordan Jensen, who add authenticity to the film’s comedic elements.
In Cooper’s words, “We are honored and humbled to premiere our film at the New York Film Festival. Earlier this year, we had the wonderful opportunity to shoot this story all throughout the city, so it’s very exciting to debut it on the closing evening of the festival. NYC injects an energy into every aspect of filmmaking that just can’t be replicated.”
NYFF Artistic Director Dennis Lim expressed enthusiasm for the film, stating, “We are thrilled to close the festival with Bradley Cooper’s delightful third feature. Is This Thing On? is a film of many dimensions and surprises: a fond tribute to New York City’s comedy scene, a sensitive study of midlife discontent, and a modern-day comedy of remarriage, pitch-perfect in its balance of humor and feeling.”
The New York Film Festival runs from September 16 to October 13, kicking off with Luca Guadagnino’s After The Hunt and featuring Jim Jarmusch’s Father Mother Sister Brother as the Centerpiece Selection. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience an unforgettable closing night with Is This Thing On?—a film that promises to resonate with audiences on multiple levels.
