IS THIS THING ON? 15

This American comedy-drama was one of the hits of the Leeds International Film Festival last year, and it has an interesting back-story. Writer and Director Bradley Cooper (Maestro; A Star is Born) based the film (loosely) on the true story of the Liverpudlian stand up comic John Bishop, and in particular his rise to fame and success, set against the breakdown of his marriage.

Is This Thing On? is set in the US, and Will Arnett and Laura Dern are a revelation as the central couple (Alex and Tess Novak); there is a searing depth and honesty to the depiction of their relationship. It is also a great insight into how tough the stand up circuit is for beginners, and also how rewarding, redemptive and therapeutic it can be as we see Alex regain his purpose and confidence.

The Guardian gave it a four star review: “Is This Thing On? starts with a punchline – sad divorced dad stumbles into a bar as a cry for help – and smartly works backward; like a great routine, beneath the jokes lurks something tender, grounded and real.”

Is This Thing On? is 2 hours 1 minute long (plus a 20 minute interval).