Bradley Cooper's next directorial effort 'Is This Thing On?' announces festival premiere and releases first look

"Is This Thing On?" is inspired by the life of British standup comedian John Bishop. It stars Will Arnett and Laura Dern as a longtime married couple who unbitterly divorce. As they both figure out their lives going forward, including raising their kids, Arnett's character gives standup a try, which becomes a new passion for him.

Cooper does have a supporting role as a friend of Arnett's character, and also in the cast are Sean Hayes, Amy Sedaris, and, um, Peyton Manning. In addition to directing, Cooper co-wrote the screenplay with Arnett and British screenwriter Mark Chappell. 

As to the film's premiere, the New York-set movie is, fittingly, debuting at the New York Film Festival. Not only that, but it is the festival's closing night movie, so it will screen on October 10. The festival's artistic director Dennis Lim said in a statement:

We are thrilled to close the festival with Bradley Cooper’s delightful third feature. "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.

On the one hand, closing out the New York Film Festival is notable for "Is This Thing On?," but on the other hand, in terms of film festivals this one is second tier at best. It does feel like this is a smaller, less-ambitious movie from Cooper, which isn't a bad thing. It could still be quite good, and there is something to be said for Cooper, a movie star, not just directing big-budget Oscar bait and star vehicles gunning for an Academy Award. 

(h/t The Hollywood Reporter)