"Is This Thing On?" Takes Center Stage at New York Film Festival

The 2023 New York Film Festival (NYFF) came to a close on a high note, with the highly anticipated film "Is This Thing On?" making its world premiere. The movie, directed by and starring Bradley Cooper, was described as an "event" that left audiences eagerly anticipating more.

A Director's Passion Project

Cooper, who has been making waves in Hollywood with his roles in films like "A Star is Born" and "American Sniper," revealed that he had always wanted to make a film of his own. After years of writing and revising the script, Cooper finally felt ready to bring his vision to life.

"It's a movie about my favorite thing: talking to women on the phone," Cooper explained in an interview prior to the festival. "I'm fascinated by the art of conversation, and I think it's something that we're all struggling with in our lives."

A Conversation About Connection

The film follows Cooper's character, a man who is struggling to connect with the world around him. Through a series of conversations with various women on the phone, he begins to realize that his way of communicating is not only ineffective but also hurtful.

Through these conversations, Cooper explores themes of loneliness, intimacy, and human connection in the digital age. As the film progresses, we see our protagonist grapple with the consequences of his actions and learn valuable lessons about how to truly connect with others.

A Star-Studded Cast

Cooper is joined by an impressive cast of characters, each played by talented actors who bring their own unique energy to the film. From romantic interests to friends and family members, the ensemble cast adds depth and nuance to Cooper's story.

One standout performance comes from Zendaya, who plays a charismatic and confident woman who challenges Cooper's character to rethink his approach to communication. Her chemistry with Cooper is undeniable, making their on-screen conversations some of the most compelling moments in the film.

Technical Merits

While "Is This Thing On?" may be more of a dialogue-driven film than a technically impressive one, it has all the hallmarks of a well-crafted movie. The cinematography is naturalistic and understated, never drawing attention away from the performances or the conversations that drive the story forward.

The sound design is equally noteworthy, with clever use of phone sounds and background noise to create an immersive atmosphere that draws the viewer into Cooper's world.

A Star is Born: Part Two?

While "Is This Thing On?" may not be as flashy or attention-grabbing as some of Cooper's previous work, it has all the makings of a classic. With its thoughtful exploration of human connection and its talented cast, this film is sure to resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.

And for Cooper, who has finally brought his passion project to life, "Is This Thing On?" marks another milestone in his career as a filmmaker. As he noted at the NYFF closing night event, "This is just the beginning of something special."

What's Next?

With "Is This Thing On?" now out in the world, fans will be eagerly awaiting more from Cooper. Will this be the start of a new creative chapter for him as a director? Only time will tell.

For now, though, it's clear that Cooper has proven himself to be a talented and thoughtful filmmaker who is not afraid to take risks on his own projects. And if "Is This Thing On?" is any indication, we can expect great things from him in the years to come.

A Final Thought

As Cooper noted during his Q&A session at the NYFF, "This movie is a reminder that the simplest acts of kindness and connection can have a profound impact on our lives." As we watch "Is This Thing On?" unfold on screen, it's hard not to be inspired by its message and its thoughtful exploration of what it means to truly connect with others.

So if you haven't had the chance to see "Is This Thing On?" yet, do yourself a favor and track down a copy. It may just become one of your favorite films of the year.