Is This Thing On?

Tropic Sprockets by Ian Brockway

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Actor Bradley Cooper helms this authentic and well-acted portrait of a marriage in “Is This Thing On?” loosely based on the British football star and comedian John Bishop. Although a bit predictable in its progression, Will Arnett and Laura Dern both deliver poignancy and punch in starring roles. The narrative is glib and fast paced with equal parts dark humor and affection.

Alex (Will Arnett) is newly divorced from his wife Tess (Laura Dern). Alex lives in a small apartment in New York City with visitation regarding his two kids. He often feels sorry for himself and insignificant. One night, feeling depressed, he signs his name for open mic night only wanting a drink but having no money.

Approaching the stage, the small audience doesn’t know how to take Alex’s presentation, but his offhand and honest delivery conjures some interest.

Alex becomes hooked on performance, experiencing a sense of catharsis.

After each set, however Alex feels an unmistakable low the next morning.

By chance, Alex lands a spot at the famed Comedy Cellar. As it happens, Tess has a date with a new boyfriend Laird (NFL quarterback Peyton Manning). At first Tess is embarrassed by Alex’s intimate stories, having no idea that he is a comedian. Then Tess is surprisingly sexually aroused by her ex-husband’s honest bravery.

Tess and Alex agree to date again, albeit in secret. After a couple of dates, Alex reproduces a full-size poster of a younger Tess from the US Olympic team, pictured from the back and Tess gets offended thinking that Alex is not romantically attracted to her present self.

The two have an emotional fight, belittling and harsh.

This film realistically highlights the pushes and pulls of romantic attraction and marriage yet also delineates the pitfalls of ego and image in managing a creative life on both sides.
Although telling the story from the male perspective for the most part, the story also gives charge and spirit to the female force.

Laura Dern is as sensitive and worried as Will Arnett is passive, impulsive, and wounded by turns.

The story possesses something of Charles Bukowski here. This is a rumpled miniature view of a man down on his luck. The camera is spirited and seedy at the edges.

At rock bottom, we know that Alex wants to work at something even though he is clueless and paralyzed with inaction, perhaps because of his mother, or perhaps his father.
Both Alex and Tess are two people who love each other despite their opposing nature.

The real-life John Bishop approached the stage on a whim, just as seen on the film. Bishop credits his comedy career for saving his marriage to his wife Melanie and changing his life for the better.

Write Ian at ianfree11@yahoo.com