Being the Ricardos

Being the Ricardos is a 2021 American biographical drama film that offers a peak behind the curtain of one of the most beloved and iconic television programs of the 1950s - "I Love Lucy". Directed and written by Aaron Sorkin, who is well-known for his astute dramatic writing style, this film allows audiences to get a glimpse of the world of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz - played by Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem, respectively - traversing the challenges that went into creating their popular television show, while also grappling with relationship tumult and accusations of communism in the peak of the Red Scare.

The film transports audiences back to one production week of "I Love Lucy" - from the table read on Monday to the filming in front of a live audience on Friday. Being the Ricardos demonstrates just how much dedication and grit was involved in producing a single episode, while also showcasing the undeniable charisma and charm that made the show so successful. It highlights the interplay of creativity and challenge, as well as brilliance and conflict, in a way that is as entertaining as it is enlightening.

The narrative also provides a sketch of life behind the scenes, integrating elements of Ball's and Arnaz's marriage, their business partnership, and professional dynamics. The poignant and sophisticated performances delivered by Kidman and Bardam humanize these iconic figures - their loves, their fights, their compromises - making them relatable to audiences.

"Being the Ricardos" is not just a celebration of television's golden age, but it also depicts the trials and tribulations that marked the period. It touches on societal issues, such as gender politics in Hollywood, painting a picture of a world very different - yet somehow not so distant - from our own.

Nicole Kidman steps into the role of Lucille Ball with a nuance that transcends mere mimicry, capturing the essence of a woman who was much more than the zany, vivacious character she played on-screen. Ball is portrayed as a businesswoman, a comic genius, a mother, and a wife stuck in a complex marriage. An integral pillar of the film's narrative is the powerful exploration of her balancing act between public expectations and her private realities.

Javier Bardem embraces the character of Desi Arnaz - not just as Lucy's on-and-off-screen husband, but also as a talented executive and the visionary behind the technical aspects of the show. Bardem's performance provides an in-depth glance at Arnaz's charm, entrepreneurship, and his struggle with marital fidelity issues and the cultural differences that come into play given his Cuban heritage.

J.K. Simmons and Nina Arianda fill the roles of William Frawley and Vivian Vance—Fred and Ethel Mertz on "I Love Lucy". They contribute solid performances as well, encapsulating nuances of these beloved characters' real lives, riddled with professional challenges and personal insecurities.

In terms of cinematic execution, Aaron Sorkin's signature rapid-fire dialogue is very much present, coupled with a narrative style that oscillates between timelines and perspectives. This provides a rich kaleidoscopic lens through which to view the characters' lives.

The production design and costuming are incredibly well-researched, recreating the period with stunning authenticity. The film is largely set within the confines of the "I Love Lucy" set and the couple's home, creating that intimate sense of looking into a world behind closed doors. The cinematography and lighting further enhance the retro aesthetic and contribute to a sense of time and place.

Overall, Being the Ricardos is a layered look at the lives of two entertainment trailblazers. It merges the world of classic television and the human complexities of its stars with an engrossing narrative that's sure to captivate Sorkin fans and classic TV enthusiasts alike. An exploration and celebration of talent, complications, perseverance, and the power of television, this movie serves as a testament to the demanding world of entertainment and the intricate people who navigate it.