IS THIS THING ON
Starring: Will Arnett, Laura Dern, Andra Day, and Bradley Cooper
Director: Bradley Cooper
ADRIANO
After really not liking Maestro, but being quite fond of A Star is Born, Is This Thing On? might be my favourite directorial outing from Bradley Cooper as it's the antithesis of what I despised about Maestro. It's much more sedated, trading his previous films’ large scale for a small yet emotionally cathartic and consistently funny story of a couple working out their problems to beautiful results. Despite how small it is, Cooper's direction feels very purposeful and intriguing, and with Will Arnett's incredible performance to anchor the piece, Is This Thing On? is a nice surprise.
NICK
Outside of TV, Will Arnett is often relegated to supporting roles. Is This Thing On? not only gives him an opportunity to lead, but it does so in a fairly serious role. He nails it. There’s comedy to be found, sure, but this is a mature look at modern relationship dynamics. Arnett, alongside the equally great Laura Dern, explores the ebbs and flows of separation through subtle yet poignant direction from Bradley Cooper. Unlike his previous films, Cooper takes a backseat to tell a more grounded story. It's a new wrinkle in his game, and perhaps the beginning of a new path for Arnett.
AMARÚ
The intimate way in which Bradley Cooper directs Is This Thing On? was such a great choice. It immediately connects you with the main characters’ dynamic as a couple and individually, creating a thoughtful examination of Alex and Tess Novak’s (Will Arnett and Laura Dern) separation and subsequent reinventions. Every emotion is up close and personal, with two powerful leads that carry the laughs, the love, and the loathing with a recognizable honesty. Between the immersive direction and the committed performances, Is This Thing On? is a reverent and relatable pleasure to watch
