Overview

• The dramedy premiered as the 63rd New York Film Festival’s closing-night film at Alice Tully Hall, with Cooper, Will Arnett and Laura Dern on hand.
• Early reactions skew moderate, with IndieWire grading it C+, Looper giving 6/10 and The Guardian calling it a charmer that showcases strong performances.
• Arnett plays a separated father who tries stand-up, in a story loosely inspired by British comedian John Bishop’s midlife turn to comedy.
• Stand-up sequences were shot in real New York clubs with live audiences, including the Comedy Cellar, and Cooper says some sets resulted in genuine on-stage bombs.
• Cooper revealed he shot extended Dave Attell material but trimmed it in editing, underscoring the film’s emphasis on authenticity within the city’s comedy scene.