Will Arnett, we know, is a funny guy. We knew it from Arrested Development, and loads of other comedic performances. That might lead you to think that he has some background in stand-up comedy, like so many funny actors do. Well, he doesn’t. And for his role in Bradley Cooper’s terrific Is This Thing On?, Arnett needed some experience. So he went out and literally just started going up on stage at comedy shows and giving stand-up a try. Sometimes it went great…sometimes it didn’t.
Is This Thing On? is the third film directed by Cooper, following A Star is Born and Maestro. Cooper and Arnett have been buddies for two decades, and I think you can see it. This is Arnett’s big breakthrough as a dramatic actor, and Cooper gives him the freedom to feel his way through the emotional peaks and valleys, of which there are many.
It doesn’t hurt that Arnett is joined by Laura Dern for most of the film. They play a couple in a failing marriage, who each set out to find themselves as separate people. He stumbles into stand-up comedy and finds it to be a cathartic, rewarding experience. For her, it’s about finally moving on from the Olympic athletic career that had defined much of her life.
One of the great things about Is This Thing On? is that it affords both characters their own fulfilling journey. Another is the amazing chemistry between Arnett and Dern, which is off the charts.
I was fortunate to spend a few minutes talking with Will Arnett and Laura Dern about Is This Thing On? And even in this interview, you can see just how easily they get along. Arnett co-wrote the screenplay with Cooper, too, so it’s interesting to get his perspective as someone on both sides of the creative process. Of course, we talked, and they joked, about his foray into stand-up which didn’t always go as planned.
Is This Thing On? is in theaters now, and you should definitely check it out!
