Bradley Cooper‘s dramatic comedy “Is This Thing On?” will host its world premiere at the New York Film Festival. It will be the festival’s closing night film on Oct. 10 at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall.
Inspired by the life of British comedian John Bishop, “Is This Thing On?” follows the break-up of a married couple — portrayed by Will Arnett and Laura Dern — who are raising two kids. The husband, Alex, takes a wild career pivot to become a professional stand-up comedian in New York City’s West Village. In a newly revealed first-look image, Arnett’s character is standing wistfully in a comedy club.
Searchlight is backing the film but hasn’t revealed the theatrical release date. Andra Day, Christine Ebersole, Ciarán Hinds, Sean Hayes, Peyton Manning, and Amy Sedaris round out the movie’s cast.
“We are honored and humbled to premiere our film at the New York Film Festival,” Cooper said. “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.”
“Is This Thing On?” is Cooper’s third directorial effort following “A Star Is Born” and “Maestro.” In front of the camera, he’s best known for “The Hangover,” “Silver Linings Playbook,” “American Hustle” and “American Sniper.”
“We are thrilled to close the festival with Bradley Cooper’s delightful third feature,” said New York Film Festival’s artistic director Dennis Lim. “‘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.”
New York Film Festival will open on Sept. 26 with Luca Guadagnino’s “After the Hunt.” Jim Jarmusch’s “Father Mother Sister Brother” has been set as the centerpiece with the remaining slate to be announced at a later date.