The real stand-ups who helped punch up Bradley Cooper’s comedy-drama ‘Is This Thing On?’

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Bradley Cooper, who directed and starred in the film “Is This Thing On?,” knew the movie wouldn’t work unless it felt real. To achieve that authenticity, especially since the film is set in New York’s stand-up comedy world and centered around the famous Comedy Cellar, he cast several actual comedians who perform there regularly. Two of the standouts he chose were Chloe Radcliffe and Jordan Jensen, both successful comedians currently selling out shows and with large followings on social media.

According to Jensen, Bradley really connected with the Comedy Cellar and the bonds between the people who frequent it.

The movie “Is This Thing On?” is inspired by a real-life experience of British comedian John Bishop. He unexpectedly started his comedy career after wandering into an open-mic night in Manchester while his wife was away. The film reimagines this story with Will Arnett playing Alex Novak, a fictional character based on Bishop – a financial professional – and sets the scene in New York City.

Jensen explained the thinking behind the casting: they wanted actors who weren’t typically known for comedy to play the comedians, avoiding a contrast with Will Arnett and the established group. Arnett’s character is portrayed as reserved and uninterested, and he finds himself among people who lead normal lives but unleash raunchy humor and playfully tease each other when they come together.

Daniel Radcliffe quickly noticed that Bradley Cooper, who also produced and co-wrote the movie, truly understood how important it was to accurately depict the life of a comedian. He proved this to her early on when he showed a short test clip—about ten minutes long—to a group of comedians at his house, which was near the famous Greenwich Village comedy club.

She remembers feeling instantly reassured as soon as the test footage began, knowing they were working with the right person. Any hesitation she had disappeared because Bradley had a very clear and refined artistic vision. It was obvious that both he and Will were deeply familiar with the world of stand-up comedy. Bradley prioritized authenticity, encouraging everyone to improvise or explore unconventional ideas if it meant capturing something genuine.

Jensen explains that he rarely stuck to the written script. He mostly improvised his lines, and as long as he conveyed the meaning, it was fine. While the director occasionally asked them to say specific lines, most of the filming happened with the camera rolling during completely improvised scenes.

The movie was incredibly touching. It presented the story in a fresh way, reminding me of how wonderful and captivating it is.

Cooper aimed to document everything happening both on and behind the scenes, and a lot of it took place at a specific table in the Olive Tree Cafe. This cafe is located above a comedy club, and it’s where the performers would hang out before, during breaks, and after their shows.

Radcliffe recalls filming a scene at the comics table on the first day of shooting. About a week or ten days later, Bradley Cooper decided to reshoot it. He felt the initial footage looked too much like a movie and wanted a more realistic feel. Radcliffe appreciates that Cooper is open to feedback and willing to revisit and change things based on what he learns.

Jensen recounts that during filming in the cafe, the director meticulously controlled even the smallest details. For example, he specifically asked for the comedian’s coats – which assistants had briefly removed – to be returned to the scene. He even cared about whether the comedians would share a plate of fries or each have their own. Every element, no matter how minor, was important to him.

Radcliffe notes that Cooper deeply respected the Comedy Cellar and its performers, showing a refreshing humility and openness. This extended to Cooper seeking advice from both the filmmaker and Arnett on how to make Novak’s stage setup even better.

She explained that they talked about comedic timing – specifically, how the biggest laugh often comes from ending a joke with the most surprising part. She admitted this can sound awkward when you actually say it. She also described watching Will practice on set before filming. He’s naturally hilarious, and even when improvising, he consistently lands jokes perfectly, demonstrating an innate sense of comedic rhythm.

Both the lead actor and the director, who also appears as the character Balls, worked incredibly hard to ensure the project was a success. Before filming began, they repeatedly tested the material with real audiences over several months to get their feedback. Jensen describes this process as the most daring thing he’s ever witnessed.

She recalls being aware of the project months before the film’s release. She’d hear the name ‘Alex Novak’ and wonder who it was, only to realize it was Will Arnett. Watching him perform, she’d think, ‘Oh no, this isn’t going well – this must be from the movie.’

The bombing scenes weren’t accidental; they were deliberately planned to mirror the character’s comedic arc. As the filming went on, the character’s performance improved incrementally – starting poorly, then getting better, and finally excelling. The actress explained this is a common technique in comedy. She found it incredible that the actor managed to maintain the illusion throughout filming without revealing it was all for a movie.

When Arnett performed, Cooper would quietly observe from the back, taking notes, revising the material, and looking up information. But Jensen admits it was difficult to watch Arnett struggle, even when it was intentional.

This wasn’t amateur night; these were actual performances. Will Arnett intentionally delivered a terrible set, but it surprisingly paid off. He performed with the skill and confidence of a seasoned comedian.

Arnett had a knack for adding subtle details to his delivery, sometimes unintentionally, that really elevated his performance. For instance, he’d occasionally breathe into the microphone, which surprisingly worked well.

Jensen explains it all happened spontaneously. He believes a brief, awkward moment felt very real and instantly connected viewers to the character. ‘Everyone can relate to accidentally breathing into a microphone and realizing everyone heard a personal sound – like a sigh when you’re upset,’ he says.

Alice Radcliffe, who plays Nina, and Charlotte Jensen, who plays Jill, are good friends in real life, and they even helped each other prepare for their roles. This close bond not only gave viewers a glimpse into the world of comedy through their work with co-stars Rob Cooper and Paul Arnett, but also made their performances feel more genuine and connected.

Radcliffe and this comedian have been good friends since before the pandemic. They share a similar playful and mischievous side – they both enjoy being a bit silly and rebellious. While she’s more outwardly assertive than he is, he tends to get more frustrated than she does. They balance each other out really well. He admires her willingness to push boundaries and her captivating stage presence, believing it’s something special among her peers.

Jensen, a huge admirer of Bradley Cooper, remembers being completely awestruck when the cast first gathered at Cooper’s home to read the movie script. He recalls Cooper opening the door and simply saying, “Hi, I’m Bradley.” Jensen was so intimidated that he immediately walked past Cooper and sat next to Chloe on the couch. He admits having Chloe there made the experience even better, and he’s sure it’s a story people won’t believe when he tells it years from now.

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2025-12-29 22:01