Being The Ricardos

Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin is this biopic of the couple who revolutionised the TV sitcom Desi Arnez and Lucille Ball.

Sorkin tells the story of three major events in their lives concentrated into a fictional week of filming of the TV behemoth that was “I Love Lucy”. Throughout the week we see Ball’s drive and creative genius, Arnez’s creative and business skills, strained cast and crew relationships, small minded views of executives and sponsors and the determination of Ball and Arnez to use their influence to change them. All of this set against a background of the American communist witch hunts of the 1950’s.

In true Sorkin style the film tries to handle a lot. Taking events that in reality were spread over years into one fictional week. And this is probably the films weak point, with so much covered it often only skims over events which in themselves could have warranted the focus of the film.

That said, I found plenty to enjoy. I’m not part of the generation or from the country where I Love Lucy was a cultural icon. However, its iconic status is such that its name and those of its stars have more than transcended borders and time. And it was this slice of their lives and careers that was interesting to me.

The film is built around its four core characters and it’s in their interactions that the film shines. Nicole Kidman gives a fine portrayal of determination and vunrabilty alongside nice comedic timing as she delivers Balls quick wit. Javier Bardem as Arnez acts as the perfect foil. But the show is often stolen by J.K. Simmons’s William Frawley the cynical heavy drinking co-star who alongside Nina Arianda’s Vivian Vance challenge, Ball particulaly, about her behaviour and treatment of those around her. It is these relationships that are the heart of the film.

While its over stretching is its weakness, it is compensated by some fine performances, a witty script and its fascinating subjects. This alongside the look and feel of the world Sorkin recreated added up to an enjoyable story about a fascinating couple.