Bradley Cooper’s “Is This Thing On?”: A Raw, Uneven Exploration of Marital Fracture and Reinvention
Bradley Cooper’s directorial follow-up, “Is This Thing On?”, is a deeply personal and aspiring project, drawing heavily from the real-life experiences of comedian John Bishop. The film offers a strikingly intimate,if occasionally frustrating,look at a dissolving marriage,the messy pursuit of artistic reinvention,and the complicated path back towards connection. However,while boasting strong performances,the film struggles with pacing and a reluctance to fully embrace dramatic catharsis.
A Commitment to Naturalism – and Its Pitfalls
Cooper’s dedication to naturalism is immediately apparent. He favors extended takes, aiming for a “fly-on-the-wall” authenticity. This approach, while admirable, frequently enough feels self-indulgent.
* Some scenes, like a prolonged sequence of Will Arnett’s character biting into a weed cookie, lack necessary editorial tightening.
* The film frequently feels like Cooper is letting the cameras roll, hoping to capture magic, rather than actively shaping the narrative.
* This impulse, while understandable, occasionally hinders the film’s momentum.
The result is a 124-minute runtime that feels considerably longer, demanding patience from the viewer.
Strong Performances Anchor a Slow Burn
Despite the directorial choices, the performances are consistently compelling. Will Arnett delivers arguably the most dramatic performance of his career, portraying a comedian grappling with the fallout of his separation.Laura Dern is equally captivating as his wife, Tess, a woman wrestling with her own identity and desires.
* Arnett embodies a vulnerability rarely seen in his previous roles, subtly conveying Alex’s pain and confusion.
* Dern masterfully portrays Tess’s internal conflict, hinting at both resentment and lingering affection.
* Their chemistry is palpable, shifting seamlessly between barbed exchanges and moments of undeniable intimacy.
The supporting cast, populated with actual comedians like Amy Sedaris and Jordan Jensen, adds a layer of authenticity to the New york comedy scene depicted in the film.
Finding its Footing in the Second Act
“Is This Thing On?” truly begins to resonate in its second hour. The narrative gains traction as Alex and Tess navigate the complexities of their evolving relationship.
* A pivotal scene involving Alex relying on his parents (Christine Ebersole and Ciarán hinds) highlights the awkwardness and emotional baggage inherent in seeking familial support during a crisis.
* The parallel storyline of Tess’s date at the same comedy club where alex is performing is brilliantly executed.
* Watching Tess react to Alex’s brutally honest stand-up routine – a performance based on Bishop’s own experience – is a masterclass in subtle acting and emotional revelation.
This is where the film taps into the core of its story: the power of vulnerability and the unexpected ways in which shared pain can reignite connection.
An Affair, a Secret, and a Search for Identity
Inspired by John Bishop’s real-life journey towards reconciliation, the film depicts Alex and Tess embarking on a secret affair.This clandestine relationship, born from shared vulnerability and a desire to recapture what they’ve lost, adds a layer of complexity to their already fraught dynamic.
* The film explores the challenges of maintaining a secret while navigating the demands of parenthood and public life.
* Tess’s pursuit of a return to volleyball serves as a metaphor for her broader search for identity and purpose.
* The dynamic between Arnett and Dern is the film’s strongest asset, effectively conveying the push and pull of their rekindled connection.
However, the film stops short of fully embracing the dramatic potential of its premise.
Lacking a Definitive Catharsis
While emotionally resonant at times, “is This Thing On?” ultimately feels incomplete. It lacks the explosive confrontation or cathartic release found in films like “Marriage Story” or “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”.
* The film’s climax feels somewhat muted, relying on a children’s chorus-led cover of Queen and David Bowie’s “Under Pressure” to evoke a sense of hope and forward momentum.
* While the song is thematically appropriate, it feels like a tacked-on emotional cue rather than a natural culmination of the narrative.
* The film leaves the audience wanting a more definitive resolution, a more profound sense of closure.
A Mixed Bag, But Worth a Watch
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