Bradley Cooper and Will Arnett: The Power of Improv in Overcoming Tragedy
Behind the scenes of the new comedy-drama "Is This Thing On?", director, star, and co-producer Bradley Cooper reveals that working with longtime friend Will Arnett brought a unique dynamic to their collaboration. As the story goes, Arnett wrote the script with Mark Chappell, which caught Cooper's attention.
The film tells the tale of Alex, played by Arnett, who struggles to come to terms with his separation from his wife Tess (played by Laura Dern). On one fateful night, Alex takes a chance and participates in an open mic comedy night at a bar. This impromptu decision becomes the catalyst for him finding solace in humor as he navigates his post-separation reality.
Arnett credits the film's improvisational nature for its authenticity. "It's just learning to be honest enough with yourself that you can actually tell the other person, which is so much braver," says Dern, who shares that every couple has been through a similar experience. Their collaborative effort allowed them to discover what the story was revealing to Cooper.
Cooper emphasizes their partnership throughout the production process. "We were partners through the whole thing," he explains. As they rewrote scenes and experimented with new ideas, Arnett's words took on a life of their own. The film's director reflects on the beauty of this organic process: "You're inhabiting it... We never had a preconceived notion of how the scene was gonna go and that's the best part."
The chemistry between Cooper and Arnett is undeniable, with Day praising Arnett's authenticity and belief in his work. The film's success lies not only in its storytelling but also in the genuine connection shared by its creators.
As "Is This Thing On?" hits theaters everywhere, it serves as a poignant reminder that comedy can be a powerful tool for healing and growth. Cooper and Arnett's collaboration is a testament to the transformative power of improvisation and the importance of embracing vulnerability in creative endeavors.
Behind the scenes of the new comedy-drama "Is This Thing On?", director, star, and co-producer Bradley Cooper reveals that working with longtime friend Will Arnett brought a unique dynamic to their collaboration. As the story goes, Arnett wrote the script with Mark Chappell, which caught Cooper's attention.
The film tells the tale of Alex, played by Arnett, who struggles to come to terms with his separation from his wife Tess (played by Laura Dern). On one fateful night, Alex takes a chance and participates in an open mic comedy night at a bar. This impromptu decision becomes the catalyst for him finding solace in humor as he navigates his post-separation reality.
Arnett credits the film's improvisational nature for its authenticity. "It's just learning to be honest enough with yourself that you can actually tell the other person, which is so much braver," says Dern, who shares that every couple has been through a similar experience. Their collaborative effort allowed them to discover what the story was revealing to Cooper.
Cooper emphasizes their partnership throughout the production process. "We were partners through the whole thing," he explains. As they rewrote scenes and experimented with new ideas, Arnett's words took on a life of their own. The film's director reflects on the beauty of this organic process: "You're inhabiting it... We never had a preconceived notion of how the scene was gonna go and that's the best part."
The chemistry between Cooper and Arnett is undeniable, with Day praising Arnett's authenticity and belief in his work. The film's success lies not only in its storytelling but also in the genuine connection shared by its creators.
As "Is This Thing On?" hits theaters everywhere, it serves as a poignant reminder that comedy can be a powerful tool for healing and growth. Cooper and Arnett's collaboration is a testament to the transformative power of improvisation and the importance of embracing vulnerability in creative endeavors.