A One Mann’s Movies review of “Being the Ricardos” (2021).
So, as we drive relentlessly towards the Oscars on March 27th, I’m trying to fill in my gaps in the nominations lists. And “Being the Ricardos” is up for three of the acting awards: Best Actor (Javier Bardem); Best Actress (Nicole Kidman) and Best Supporting Actor (J.K. Simmons).
Bob the Movie Man Rating:
Plot Summary:
Husband and wife team Lucille Ball (Nicole Kidman) and Desi Arnaz (Javier Bardem) are starting the week preparing for the live performance of their hit TV show “I Love Lucy”. But a tsunami of bad press has burst around Lucy’s political leanings and that – together with brewing marital tensions – mean that this will be a week that neither the stars nor the production crew will ever forget.
Certification:
Talent:
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, J.K. Simmons, Nina Arianda, Tony Hale.
Directed by: Aaron Sorkin.
Written by: Aaron Sorkin.
Twitter Handles: #BeingTheRicardos
“Being the Ricardos” Review:
Positives:
- It’s up for the acting awards for a reason, and Kidman, Bardem and Simmons all deliver fabulous performances. Kidman is the standout for me. When I heard that she was cast as Lucille Ball, I grimaced with the horror of it. But hats off to her, she is extremely believable in pulling off not just the goofy comedy on-screen but also the steely perfectionism of the business-woman behind the production.
- For anyone as old and creaky as me that remembers their parents watching (re-runs) of “I Love Lucy”, there is a strong sense of nostalgia about the movie. With today’s TV, it’s almost unbelievable that a character could not be pregnant in the show because “the audience would ask how she got that way”. Younger audiences may have already had an introduction to this genre via the recent (and excellent) Marvel series “Wandavision“. But I think it’s older viewers that this will appeal to most.
Negatives:
- The movie does flash-backs at various points. Some of these (for example, how Lucy moves from radio comedy to TV comedy) are really interesting. Others seem to be needless padding that, for me, got in the way of the narrative of the story.
Summary Thoughts on “Being the Ricardos”
This was one which I put on my mental watch-list as soon as I heard about it. And I wasn’t disappointed. A well-acted tale, full of nostalgia for anyone as ancient as me, or older.
I hadn’t actually realised it was written and directed by Aaron Sorkin until the end credits: the script is delightfully light and unwordy.
A recommended watch.
Trailer for “Being the Ricardos”
The trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvrjCdtB0zM .
