Is This Thing On?
Within the first five seconds of Bradley Cooper’s new film, “Is This Thing On?”, Alex and Tess decide to end their marriage. We soon learn our protagonists have been married for 20 years, and have known each other over a quarter century. Their two boys are about 10 or 11 years old. Alex works in finance. They own a nice home in the suburbs. And by all outward appearances, they seem happy – or at the very least, content.
Takes its time
So, what went wrong? We’ll find out, but Cooper’s original screenplay (co-written with Will Arnett and Mark Chappell) takes its time revealing information. We learn backstory on an as-needed basis – and all without once using the often annoying technique of flashbacks. All of “Is This Thing On?” takes place in the present, and features some of the best cinematography of any film this year. Kudos to Matthew Libatique, who worked with Cooper on his first two films, “A Star is Born” (2018) and “Maestro” (2023). More on his work later.
The story
As the narrative begins, Alex has already moved into an apartment in the city, although he sometimes spends the night with Tess in their old house. The boys spend alternating weekends with Alex, and he seems to do a fine job on his own. Again, it’s difficult for us to immediately discern exactly what is wrong with this marriage.
One night, Alex wants to enjoy a drink at a bar. He happens upon what turns out to be a local comedy club on open-mike night. Refusing to pay the cover charge, he simply signs up to perform a short routine, thereby avoiding the cover. But of course, Alex knows nothing about stand-up comedy or comedic timing. He speaks slowly – uncomfortably slowly – and discusses his marriage and divorce. Devoid of any punch lines, he does have a certain flair for communication, and the audience takes kindly to his bush-league delivery and material. This is an open-mike night, after all.
Stand-up comedy
After receiving encouragement from some of the other amateurs, Alex decides to return the following week – this time with a rehearsed routine. Each time we see his act, it becomes increasingly polished and clever. While he’ll likely never make “The Tonight Show,” Alex obviously has a flair for this hobby. As Alex, Will Arnett turns in the most accomplished work of his acting career. He’s just low-key enough to engage his comedy audience, while keeping a good relationship with Tess and the boys. Never once do we get the sense the boys blame Dad for the divorce.
Laura Dern
As Tess, Laura Dern turns in yet another strong performance with a character more fleshed out than her recent supporting turn in “Jay Kelly.” Tess also feels the need to concentrate on a new hobby while still persevering in her primary role as “Mom.” As a former volleyball standout, Tess takes up coaching, with a hope of making the coaching staff for the 2028 Olympics. Things begin to go awry when Alex and Tess each need a sitter for the boys on the same night. Ironically, Tess and her date end up at the same comedy club where Alex is slated to perform.
Somewhere in between
But don’t get the idea that “Is This Thing On?” is a comedy. Neither is it the tension-filled journey through a painful divorce, a la Noah Baumbach’s 2019 drama “Marriage Story.” It’s a warm, inspiring original story through the ups and downs of the early stages of a divorce – complete with the uncomfortable “first flings” following many years with the same spouse. It can be difficult to recall how first dates feel, and to make oneself available to others. “Is This Thing On?” hits all the right notes without ever once feeling maudlin or strained. Even if viewers haven’t experienced divorce, these characters are instantly relatable.
The best friends
Less engaging are Alex and Tess’ best friends, Balls and Christine. Yes, he goes by “Balls,” and he’s played by Cooper himself. Balls is a constantly stoned aspiring actor – the kind of guy who should be further along in life, but whose easygoing demeanor appeals to others. Christine, played by singer-actress Andra Day (“The United States vs. Billie Holliday”) is an uptight professional who seems to be a complete and total mismatch for Balls. Their involvement in the screenplay provides the antidote to Alex and Tess. In other words, if Balls and Christine can still be happy, why can’t Alex and Tess?
Cinematography
Alex and Tess are made even more empathetic the way Cooper and Libatique frame them. In a manner somewhat reminiscent of the way Roman Polanski shot “Chinatown” years ago, Libatique shoots both characters primarily in close-up. When they walk, the camera follows them from behind, shooting just over their shoulders so we experience the world from their point-of-view. The accompanying lack of establishing shots means we don’t see the comedy club crowds at first. Our attention remains focused on Alex and his routine – only opening up to the audience once Alex gains confidence.
Sound
And the use of sound is profound in “Is This Thing On?” We hear sounds and voices which we would be capable of seeing if the camera were to back out away from the actors’ faces. But since it isn’t entirely necessary for us to see the full set, Cooper keeps us centered on his actors, using sound to fill in the blanks. When Alex performs his first, uncomfortably amateurish routine, he is mildly stoned. And the sounds and camerawork slow down to reflect his current state. It’s a brilliant use of cinematic technique that we don’t often experience at the movies.
Where does it rank?
So, where does “Is This Thing On?” rank in terms of Cooper’s other directorial efforts? It’s certainly atypical of his previous work. “Maestro” was a biopic of a very well-known musician, Leonard Bernstein. “A Star is Born” was an updated re-telling of a very well-known story. In fact, it was the fourth cinematic version of “A Star is Born.” But “Is This Thing On?” is completely original. Yes, the characters are relatable, but they are not based on real people or on previously published material. In this sense, Cooper has branched out.
However, “Is This Thing On?” doesn’t quite pack the punch of “A Star is Born.” This film is more laid back, and is less likely to appear on Top Ten Lists, the way “A Star is Born” did. Conversely, it is a marked improvement over the paint-by-numbers “Maestro,” which often felt like a checklist of the highlights of Bernstein’s life. “Is This Thing On?” is a winner, and takes its place as, dare I say, one of the most uplifting films of the year.
Andy Ray‘s reviews also appear on https://townepost.com/tag/film-reviews/