Full Breakdown
Laura Dern Reflects on Loss and Artistic Legacy in "Is This Thing On?"
12/24/2025, 3:48:25 AM
Personal and Professional Context
Laura Dern's recent film, *Is This Thing On?*, directed by Bradley Cooper, emerges from a year marked by profound personal loss for the actress. Dern experienced the deaths of her long-time collaborator David Lynch and her mother, Diane Ladd, both of whom significantly influenced her artistic journey. In discussing her emotional state, Dern remarked, “I just haven’t gotten there yet — I haven’t let myself be in it yet,” referring to her struggle to process these losses while simultaneously honoring their legacies through her work.
The Film's Themes and Collaborative Spirit
*Is This Thing On?* explores the complexities of relationships through the lens of separated spouses, Alex (Will Arnett) and Tess (Dern). The film is characterized by its intimate portrayal of flawed characters grappling with their pasts. Dern highlighted the film's alignment with the storytelling style of Rob Reiner, who she believes excelled at balancing truth and complexity in character development. She noted, “Knowing how to balance truth and complication and flawed characters and joy and hopefulness... feels like an impossible task, but one that he seemed to always be able to give us.”
Cooper's approach as a director, particularly his role as the camera operator, resonated with Dern, reminiscent of her experiences with Lynch. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work closely with Cooper, stating, “There was no adjustment period of like, ‘Whoa, Bradley is in my face with a camera.’ No — it’s what we do.”
The Importance of Theatrical Experience
In light of the evolving landscape of film consumption, Dern expressed concern over the diminishing audience for smaller, independent films. She emphasized the unique value of shared cinematic experiences, stating, “To be next to your neighbor that you don’t know, you’re giving yourself the opportunity to... have a shared experience.” Dern's reflections come at a time when the industry faces challenges, particularly for character-driven narratives.
Future Aspirations and Directorial Ambitions
While Dern has primarily focused on acting, she has also ventured into production and co-creation of series like HBO’s *Enlightened*. As she contemplates her future, she acknowledged the possibility of directing, stating, “I’ve been thinking about directing... I would never do it unless I believe that I was the person to tell the story.” This openness to new roles reflects her commitment to storytelling and the importance of authenticity in her career choices.
Conclusion: A Year of Reflection and Resilience
As 2023 draws to a close, Dern's journey through grief and artistic expression culminates in *Is This Thing On?*, a film that encapsulates her experiences and the legacies of those she has lost. She remains hopeful about the future of cinema, emphasizing the need for empathy in storytelling and the importance of preserving the theatrical experience for audiences.
