Being the Ricardos
Movie Trailer
Release Date
December 10, 2021 (Limited), December 21, 2021 (Amazon Prime Video)
Genre
Biography, Drama
Cast & Crew
- Nicole Kidman as Lucille Ball
- Javier Bardem as Desi Arnaz
- J.K. Simmons as William Frawley
- Nina Arianda as Vivian Vance
- Tony Hale as Jess Oppenheimer
- Alia Shawkat as Madelyn Pugh
- Jake Lacy as Bob Carroll Jr.
Director
Aaron Sorkin
Other Movies Director is Known For:
- The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
- Molly’s Game (2017)
Producer
Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch
Writer
Aaron Sorkin
Budget
$40 million
Production Company
Amazon Studios, Escape Artists, Big Indie Pictures
Running Time
131 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Strong language
- Mature themes
Movie Story
“Being the Ricardos” offers a behind-the-scenes look at one tumultuous week in the lives of Lucille Ball (Nicole Kidman) and Desi Arnaz (Javier Bardem), the iconic couple behind the beloved TV show I Love Lucy. Set during the height of the show’s popularity in the 1950s, the film intertwines multiple timelines, delving into the pressures of working in television, the couple’s complicated relationship, and the personal and professional challenges they faced.
The story unfolds over the course of a single week, with the production of a pivotal episode of I Love Lucy serving as the backdrop. As the week progresses, Lucille and Desi confront a series of crises that threaten to derail their careers and their marriage. Lucille faces accusations of being a Communist at the height of the Red Scare, an allegation that could destroy her career and the show. At the same time, tensions rise on set as the cast and crew deal with creative differences, script rewrites, and the pressures of producing a successful show.
Interwoven with the drama of the present are flashbacks that explore Lucille and Desi’s early relationship, their rise to fame, and the personal sacrifices they made along the way. The film also highlights the contributions of the show’s supporting cast and writers, including William Frawley (J.K. Simmons) and Vivian Vance (Nina Arianda), who portrayed the beloved neighbors Fred and Ethel Mertz.
Aaron Sorkin’s screenplay is sharp and dialogue-driven, offering a deep dive into the complexities of the entertainment industry, the challenges of maintaining a marriage in the public eye, and the strength of Lucille Ball’s creative vision. The film ultimately celebrates the legacy of I Love Lucy and the indelible impact that Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz had on television history.
Special Effects
“Being the Ricardos” relies more on period-accurate production design, costumes, and makeup to transport viewers to the 1950s rather than traditional special effects. The film meticulously recreates the world of I Love Lucy, from the soundstages to the iconic sets, offering an authentic look at television production during that era. The attention to detail extends to the visual style, which captures the look and feel of the original show while providing a cinematic experience.
Box Office Performance
As a streaming release on Amazon Prime Video, “Being the Ricardos” did not have a traditional box office run. However, the film garnered significant attention online, particularly due to the high-profile casting of Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem, and the involvement of acclaimed writer-director Aaron Sorkin. It received mixed to positive reviews, with particular praise for the performances of Kidman and Bardem.
Filming Locations
- Los Angeles, California, USA
Notable Quotes
- “I am the biggest asset in the portfolio of the Columbia Broadcasting System.” – Lucille Ball
- “You know, I did this show so Desi could be home every night with me.” – Lucille Ball
Behind-the-Scenes
Aaron Sorkin’s decision to focus on a single, critical week in the lives of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz allowed for a more intimate and intense exploration of their relationship and professional challenges. Nicole Kidman’s portrayal of Lucille Ball sparked controversy prior to the film’s release, with fans questioning her casting, but her performance was ultimately praised, earning her a nomination for an Academy Award. Javier Bardem also received acclaim for his portrayal of Desi Arnaz, capturing both the charm and complexity of the iconic entertainer. The film’s production design and costume department worked meticulously to recreate the world of 1950s Hollywood, contributing to the film’s authentic atmosphere.
Awards
- Academy Award: Nominated for Best Actress (Nicole Kidman), Best Actor (Javier Bardem), Best Supporting Actor (J.K. Simmons)
- Golden Globe Awards: Won Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama (Nicole Kidman), Nominated for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama (Javier Bardem)
Final Verdict
“Being the Ricardos” is a compelling biographical drama that shines a light on the personal and professional struggles of one of television’s most iconic couples. With strong performances, particularly from Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem, and Aaron Sorkin’s signature dialogue, the film offers an engaging and insightful look into the world of I Love Lucy and the challenges faced by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. While the film may not appeal to all viewers, it is a must-watch for fans of classic television and those interested in the complexities of fame and creativity.
IMDb Rating
6.9/10