Is This Thing On?

As enjoyable as a coming of age story is or a traditional rom-com, there seems to be an increasing amount of more adult relationship dramas being released.

Bradley Cooper’s newest directorial effort Is This Thing On? Is a great example of the form.

Whilst it contains the ‘romantic’ and ‘comedy’ elements, this drama is more nuanced, slow, deliberate and patient with its story of a divorcing couple finding a way to reconnect.

Whilst loosely based on John Bishop’s story of finding stand up comedy whilst going through a breakup, Cooper gives both sides of the couple their due attention here and both Will Arnett and Laura Dern are fantastic in the respective roles.

Hopefully this leads to more work for Arnett moving forward, who has been underrated for far too long.

It’s a lovingly shot film with some nice long shots and constantly moving close ups giving you focus on the character’s emotions.

However, it sometimes loses its way with a few scenes dragging on for a little too long or some touches just clashing a little with the overriding tone.

It’s slow to start as well, only really coming to life when Arnett’s Alex first steps foot on stage at his first open mic. Whilst that works well as a metaphor for the character, it does require a little patience and is arguably a smidge too long.

The comedy scenes are inevitably the standout (particularly the moment that his previously hidden hobby is revealed to Dern’s Tess) and the obvious feeling that this newfound passion is life changing for Alex is there to see.

The script ensures that laughs are found elsewhere as well though and it’s really well balanced overall.

A mature, humorous, comforting and moving film from Cooper. Perhaps a little slow for some and not as mass appeal as could be expected but all the better for that.

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