It’s best not to, but many films suffer the misfortune of being prejudged before anyone has ever seen one frame. Whether it’s preconceived notions about the director or performers, issues with the subject of the film, or brand loyalty toward against the studio releasing the film. The latest film from longtime screenwriter turned director Aaron Sorkin had a couple of said preconceived notions going against it, from issues with Sorkin’s writing and directing style to his casting for the legendary figures at the center of the film. What he and his actors produce ends up being a pleasant surprise that subverts the negative expectations laid at the feet of the film beforehand.
Being The Ricardos takes us into a tumultuous week for television pioneers and creators of the iconic I Love Lucy television sitcom Lucille Ball (Nicole Kidman) and Desi Arnaz (Javier Bardem) as they face attacks from multiple fronts including the Red Scare of the 1950s, Lucille’s pregnancy, and their teetering marriage that threatens both their professional and personal lives.
What is evident very early on in the film is that Being The Ricardos represents a major leap forward in the evolution of Aaron Sorkin as a director with the film feeling like it was helmed by a creative that has fully realized their potential behind the camera. What Sorkin has created is very well paced and structured complete the flashbacks, documentary style interludes, and sitcom airing tie-ins that are interwoven perfectly to create a single narrative that is non-linear but coherent. The dialogue is missing a little bit of that trademark Sorkin quick snappiness which isn’t a bad thing at all. The way the characters speak feels more natural which should satisfy those viewers who are critical of how unnaturally witty Sorkin written characters are. Lessened dramatically is the poetic license that Sorkin has become known for, and is oft criticized for taking, in order to manufacture dramatic, grandiose moments for characters that feel too on the nose in terms of the statements being made and the drama manufactured. In Being The Ricardos, the struggles faced by Lucy and Desi feel more natural and personal; the threat of the Red Scare is personalized to how it is effecting the couple both personally and professionally rather than serving as the vessel to make a wider political statement. The result is a film that creates more empathy for its characters and story and thus has more of an impact, rather than feeling like a manufactured moment to garner a response and a wink and nod at current events or political viewpoints. If Sorkin has consciously fought his creative instincts, it was a wise decision that sees him stick the landing on his third directorial effort.
The casting of Nicole Kidman for this film was subject to ridicule from the moment it was announced and all the way up to the release of its first images and trailer. After finally watching her, the criticism seems laughably wrong as Kidman gives an absolutely masterful performance as the legendary and uniquely recognizable Ball disappearing into the role almost totally. She even effortlessly switches back and forth between Ball’s different vocal inflection and voice when acting onscreen and the voice and more forceful and assured persona she had as the co-creator of the hit show. Nina Arianda’s performance as Vivian Vance stands out as well with the actress both disappearing into her role as the actress who played the iconic role of Ethel Mertz, but having her own emotional arc as an actress struggling with having to live up to the beauty standards expected of female performers despite her genetics not allowing her to easily attain them, and having a less than understanding boss in Lucille. Her arc was a subtle look and commentary on the eternal struggles actress have faced in pursuit of their passion.
Being The Ricardos hits all the technical marks of a good film with an interesting structure that is well executed and production and costume design that fully immerses an audience in the time period. Aaron Sorkin has fully arrived as a director with this film serving as the line of demarcation for his ascent and development. Nicole Kidman gives one of the best performances of the year as Lucille Ball and is joined by a quality ensemble that perfectly complements the saga between her and Desi. This is a film that will satisfy Lucille Ball admirers and general film fans alike and is definitely worth a trip to the movies.
Image: Amazon Studios
