Bradley Cooper Premieres Is This Thing On? at NYFF Closing Night
#bradley_cooper #is_this_thing_on #will_arnett #laura_dern #film_festival
Bradley Cooper Celebrates 'Is This Thing On?' Premiere
At the New York Film Festival's closing night, Bradley Cooper expressed heartfelt enthusiasm for his third directorial film, Is This Thing On? Speaking at Alice Tully Hall, Cooper emphasized that the festival was the perfect venue to debut this intimate comedy-drama. The film stars his close friend Will Arnett, adding a personal touch to the premiere atmosphere.
A Deep Dive into the Film’s Themes
The movie explores the unraveling marriage of Alex, played by Arnett, as he navigates middle age, divorce, and reinvention within New York's comedy scene. Laura Dern co-stars as Tess, Alex’s wife, who confronts her own sacrifices and struggles with co-parenting. Directed and co-written by Cooper, the film offers a nuanced look at love’s evolving forms and personal identity during life’s transitions.
A Festival Favorite with a Unique Voice
The New York Film Festival embraced Is This Thing On? as its closing night selection, showcasing the film’s blend of humor and emotional depth. Cooper’s connection to the project and his collaboration with Arnett brought authenticity, making the premiere a memorable highlight for attendees and critics alike.
About the Organizations Mentioned
New York Film Festival
The New York Film Festival (NYFF), founded in 1963 by Richard Roud and Amos Vogel with support from Lincoln Center president William Schuman, is one of the longest-running and most prestigious film festivals in the United States[1][3]. It was established to showcase significant international and independent films, often introducing U.S. audiences to important works previously unseen domestically, such as Akira Kurosawa’s *I Live in Fear* and Luis Buñuel’s *The Exterminating Angel*, which opened the inaugural festival[1]. Historically, NYFF has been strongly associated with the promotion of European art cinema and auteur-driven films, particularly during Roud’s 25-year tenure as program director from 1963 to 1987[1]. The festival’s first selection committee included notable figures such as Susan Sontag, underscoring its intellectual and artistic rigor[1]. Over the decades, it has become a critical platform for launching films that go on to dominate awards seasons, including the Oscars[3]. NYFF is unique for its curated, non-competitive format, emphasizing artistic excellence over commercial considerations. It primarily screens films at Lincoln Center, a major cultural institution in New York City that plays a vital role in supporting independent and international cinema[3]. The festival’s programming is led by an artistic director—currently Dennis Lim, a former film critic—who shapes the selection to reflect both historical significance and contemporary trends[3]. In addition to its legacy of premiering groundbreaking films, NYFF has helped legitimize independent cinema in New York, moving it from niche, often seedy venues to a revered cultural event[2]. The festival continues to influence the film industry by spotlighting innovative works and fostering dialogue between filmmakers and audiences. Its history and ongoing presence reflect a significant intersection of art, culture, and the business of film within the technology-driven era of digital cinema and global distribution[1][3].
