Bradley Cooper Shares the Movie That Left the Biggest Impact on Him

Bradley Cooper has made a name for himself both as an actor and as a director. Before stepping behind the camera, he starred in some of the biggest films of the 2010s, including Limitless, Silver Linings Playbook, and American Sniper.

Working alongside Hollywood heavyweights gave him firsthand experience of what makes a story resonate on screen. Combined with his classical training at James Lipton’s Actors’ Studio, Cooper developed a deep understanding of performance, storytelling, and cinematic craft.

Because of that experience, his opinions on films carry real weight. In an interview with Rotten Tomatoes, Cooper opened up about one movie that had a profound effect on him: Julian Schnabel’s The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.

The 2007 Oscar-nominated biopic tells the story of French journalist Jean-Dominique Bauby, who suffers a massive stroke and is left almost completely paralyzed, able to communicate only by blinking. The film is known for its experimental style, using inventive camera work and visual storytelling to immerse the audience in Bauby’s perspective.

Cooper didn’t hold back in his praise. He called it “just one of the best films ever made” and said the visuals and narrative approach were “incredible.” He also complimented Schnabel, saying he was “just wonderful for his ability to play with perspective in such a bold and innovative way.” Cooper’s own directing style shows traces of that influence.

In Maestro, his biopic about Leonard Bernstein, he uses shifts between black-and-white and saturated color to mark emotional and chronological changes, echoing the experimental spirit he admired in Schnabel’s film.

This February, Cooper is celebrating the home release of his latest directorial effort, Is This Thing On?, which premiered on digital platforms on February 10. Cooper produced, directed, and acted in the film, though he chose a supporting role as Arnett’s best friend, “Balls.”

The movie follows Will Arnett’s character, an amateur stand-up comedian navigating a midlife divorce. Critics have praised the film as sweet, funny, and heartfelt, highlighting Cooper’s ability to balance humor with emotional depth.

Even with his focus on directing, Cooper continues to stay active as an actor and producer. While a rumored collaboration with Steven Spielberg on a Bullitt reboot has reportedly been delayed, he still has multiple projects in development through his production company, Lea Pictures.

Cooper’s work behind the camera reflects his desire to explore character-driven stories while pushing the boundaries of conventional filmmaking. Cooper’s admiration for The Diving Bell and the Butterfly shows how much he values creative risk-taking.

Looking back at his career, Cooper has steadily shifted from a high-profile actor to a multi-hyphenate filmmaker who can handle both indie-driven stories and mainstream hits.

Do you think Bradley Cooper stepping into a supporting role in Is This Thing On? helped the story feel more real and grounded, or do you prefer when he takes center stage in his own films? Share your thoughts in the comments.