Film at Lincoln Center announces Bradley Cooper’s “Is This Thing On?“ as the Closing Night selection of the 63rd New York Film Festival, making its world premiere at Alice Tully Hall on Friday, October 10th, with Cooper and members of the cast in attendance. Presented by Film at Lincoln Center in partnership with Rolex, the 63rd New York Film Festival will take place from September 26th through October 13th.
Get tickets for Is This Thing On? and more with an NYFF63 Centerpiece & Closing Night Plus or Premier Pass. Get tickets to the film and after-party with a Gold Pass!
Single tickets for the general public go on sale September 18th at noon ET, with pre-sale access for FLC Members and Pass holders prior to this date.
In a pair of galvanizing, deeply honest performances, Will Arnett and Laura Dern play Alex and Tess Novak, whose marriage has reached an impasse. With amicable sorrow, the couple—parents of two young boys—mutually agree to split up. Yet in director Bradley Cooper’s keenly observed comic drama, their separation leads to unpredictable midlife self-reckonings, most dramatically in Alex’s wild career pivot to become a confessional stand-up comedian in New York City’s West Village, where he finds new direction and camaraderie. This seemingly outlandish scenario—in a script by Cooper, Arnett, and Mark Chappell inspired by the true story of British comedian John Bishop—is never played for easy laughs, while Cooper uses his penchant for naturalism to give the actors space to find their complicated centers. In his beautifully lived-in third feature following “A Star Is Born“ and “Maestro“ (NYFF61), Cooper confirms his dexterity for representing the complexities of human relationships, constructing a film that is both lacerating and sweet-souled, funny and tender. “Is This Thing On?“ features a stacked, stellar supporting cast, including Andra Day, Christine Ebersole, Ciarán Hinds, Sean Hayes, Peyton Manning, and Amy Sedaris, as well as charming assistance from New York stand-up standbys such as Chloe Radcliffe, Reggie Conquest, and Jordan Jensen, supplying the film its downtown authenticity. A Searchlight Pictures release from Lea Pictures and Archery Pictures.
Bradley Cooper said of the selection: “We are honored and humbled to premiere our film at the New York Film Festival. Earlier this year, we had the wonderful opportunity to shoot this story all throughout the city, so it’s very exciting to debut it on the closing evening of the festival. NYC injects an energy into every aspect of filmmaking that just can’t be replicated. I have attended many premieres at NYFF over the years, and to have the support and belief in our film from Dennis Lim and his team is an enormous thing for us. Thank you! On behalf of Will, Laura, and the entire cast and crew—we can’t wait!“
“We are thrilled to close the festival with Bradley Cooper’s delightful third feature,“ said Dennis Lim, Artistic Director, New York Film Festival. “Is This Thing On? is a film of many dimensions and surprises: a fond tribute to New York City’s comedy scene, a sensitive study of midlife discontent, and a modern-day comedy of remarriage, pitch-perfect in its balance of humor and feeling.”
Bradley Cooper, born in Philadelphia, is an acclaimed actor, filmmaker, writer, and producer. Cooper co-wrote, produced, starred, and directed the NYFF61 Spotlight Gala selection “Maestro,“ which garnered seven Oscar nominations. Cooper’s directorial debut, “A Star Is Born,“ which he also co-wrote, directed, produced, and starred in, earned eight Oscar nominations. In 2020, Cooper began his production company, Lea Pictures, which focuses on developing and producing commercially entertaining and transformational feature films, television, documentaries, and digital content. In 2013, Cooper started the One Family Foundation to help make a difference in the lives of patients with cancer and their families.
The NYFF Main Slate selection committee is chaired by Dennis Lim, NYFF Artistic Director, and includes Florence Almozini, Justin Chang, K. Austin Collins, and Rachel Rosen.
Presented by Film at Lincoln Center, the New York Film Festival is an annual showcase of the best in world cinema. Since 1963, NYFF has shaped film culture and continues an enduring tradition of introducing audiences to bold and remarkable works from celebrated filmmakers as well as fresh new talent.
Secure your tickets for Closing Night and more with Passes, limited quantities on sale now. NYFF63 single tickets will go on sale to the general public on Thursday, September 18th at noon ET, with pre-sale access for FLC Members and Pass holders prior to this date. Become an FLC Member by August 29th to secure NYFF63 pre-sale access and discounted tickets year-round. NYFF63 Press and Industry accreditation is now open through August 18th.
Sign up for forthcoming NYFF announcements, including Main Slate, Spotlight, Currents, Revivals, and Talks.
What do you think of this news? Are you excited to see “Is This Thing On?“ What else do you think will be announced for NYFF63? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below or on our X account.
