Will Arnett and Bradley Cooper Explore Comedy as Therapeutic Journey in New Film
US filmmaker Bradley Cooper and Canadian actor Will Arnett first crossed paths twenty-five years ago, when both were at the beginning of their respective careers in the entertainment industry. Their long-standing professional relationship has now culminated in a heartfelt cinematic collaboration that delves into the healing power of laughter.
From Personal Heartbreak to Hollywood Screenplay
Around the same time, nearly five thousand kilometres across the Atlantic Ocean, pharmaceutical sales representative John Bishop was navigating the emotional turmoil of a marital separation in Manchester, England. Seeking an alternative to paying entry fees at local pubs, Bishop impulsively signed up for an open-mic night at a comedy venue. He performed his first stand-up routine before a modest audience of just seven people, using the stage to process his personal struggles with his wife, Melanie.
Bishop discovered the experience unexpectedly therapeutic, describing it as a form of counselling that provided genuine emotional relief. The situation took an ironic turn when his wife coincidentally attended one of his performances. Years later, when Arnett learned about Bishop's story, he recognized its cinematic potential and developed it into a screenplay alongside Cooper and television writer Mark Chappell.
The Birth of 'Is This Thing On?'
This creative partnership gave birth to the film Is This Thing On?, directed by Bradley Cooper. The movie transports the narrative from Manchester's Frog and Bucket comedy club to New York's famous Comedy Cellar, where Arnett himself began his comedy career. Arnett portrays comic Alex, a character inspired by Bishop, while Laura Dern plays his soon-to-be ex-wife Tess.
"Comedy has a therapeutic effect," explains Arnett, who is fifty-five years old. "Sometimes we use humour to break the ice or initiate difficult conversations. It can help us navigate emotional terrain or release tension during heavy discussions. We all utilize comedy differently, and it becomes a perfect vehicle for Alex's character to discover his truth."
Real-Life Inspiration and Emotional Catharsis
John Bishop, now fifty-nine, never intended to pursue comedy professionally but found it offered authentic psychological relief during challenging times. "From my perspective, comedy was something I never planned to do," says the Liverpool-based comedian. "You can address darker thoughts in your mind, but by adding humour and receiving laughter in return, you experience an endorphin rush. Comedy creates community—you share something with people, and they laugh with you. In that moment, you cannot simultaneously laugh and feel sadness. Some tension releases, and aspects of depression lift."
Bishop encourages anyone experiencing depression to visit a comedy club, describing it as a therapeutic journey. Reflecting on having his personal story adapted for Hollywood, Bishop calls the experience surreal, particularly during a recent screening in Liverpool attended by friends, family, and early supporters from his comedy beginnings.
Exploring Self-Discovery Beyond Relationships
The film examines not only marital breakdown and comedic exploration but also characters rediscovering personal passions outside relationships. Laura Dern's character Tess is a former Olympic volleyball player seeking fulfilment beyond traditional roles of wife and mother.
"The male and female characters all yearn to reconnect with self-knowledge before truly understanding their relationship," Dern observes. "I hadn't seen this exploration in film before, though we frequently discuss these questions in real life with friends or therapists: Who do I want to be? What brings me fulfilment? Bradley guided us in deepening this journey for our characters."
The fifty-eight-year-old Oscar winner adds that she related to this quest for personal rediscovery, having been a professional actor since childhood like her character. "Exploring these questions through film made me feel genuinely hopeful, both as an actor and audience member," she shares.
Authentic Storytelling and Universal Themes
Arnett emphasizes the film's commitment to authentic storytelling: "For us, this project involved exploring people on their journeys, striving for authenticity. These characters represent people we know—ourselves, our neighbours, strangers on the bus. We wanted them to feel genuine and believable. Life is complicated and unpredictable, and watching characters navigate that complexity is beautiful. What's particularly meaningful is their persistent hope. All these elements made this story exciting and rewarding to explore."
Is This Thing On? premieres in Australian cinemas beginning February 5, offering audiences a thoughtful examination of how humour can illuminate the human experience during difficult transitions.
