Being the Ricardos, the Aaron Sorkin-directed biographical drama focusing on Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz during one tumultuous week of I Love Lucy production, clocks in at 2 hours and 11 minutes (131 minutes). This runtime allows Sorkin to delve into the personal and professional challenges faced by the iconic couple.
Delving Deeper: Everything You Need to Know About Being the Ricardos
The film’s length is just the beginning. Being the Ricardos offers a complex and compelling look behind the scenes of one of television’s most beloved shows, exploring themes of love, loyalty, ambition, and the pressures of fame. Let’s answer some frequently asked questions to provide a more complete picture.
FAQs About Being the Ricardos
1. What is Being the Ricardos primarily about?
Being the Ricardos focuses on one crucial production week of the I Love Lucy show. During this week, Lucille Ball is publicly accused of being a communist, and Desi Arnaz faces allegations of infidelity. The film interweaves these crises with flashbacks showcasing the couple’s early romance and the genesis of their television empire. Essentially, it explores the vulnerabilities and complexities hidden beneath the glamorous surface of their public personas.
2. Who stars in Being the Ricardos?
The film boasts a stellar cast. Nicole Kidman portrays Lucille Ball, while Javier Bardem plays Desi Arnaz. Supporting roles are filled by excellent actors, including J.K. Simmons as William Frawley (Fred Mertz), Nina Arianda as Vivian Vance (Ethel Mertz), Tony Hale as Jess Oppenheimer, and Alia Shawkat as Madelyn Pugh.
3. Where can I watch Being the Ricardos?
Being the Ricardos was released theatrically in December 2021 but is primarily available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. This makes it easily accessible to a global audience.
4. Is Being the Ricardos historically accurate?
While based on real events, Being the Ricardos takes creative liberties with the timeline and conflates certain events for dramatic effect. The communist allegations, Desi’s alleged infidelity, and Lucille’s pregnancy all happened at different times in reality but are compressed into a single week in the film. It’s essential to remember it’s a dramatization, not a documentary.
5. Did Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz approve of the film before it was made?
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz are both deceased. However, their children, Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr., were involved in the production to varying degrees. Lucie Arnaz specifically praised the film and the performances, offering valuable insights and anecdotes to the filmmakers.
6. What are some of the critical responses to Being the Ricardos?
Being the Ricardos received mixed to positive reviews. While praised for the performances of Kidman and Bardem, some critics questioned the accuracy of the historical portrayal and the pacing of the narrative. Opinions on Sorkin’s signature dialogue and writing style were also divided. Many praised the performances but questioned Sorkin’s choice to condense multiple historical events into one week.
7. Why did Aaron Sorkin choose to focus on this particular week in their lives?
Sorkin chose this compressed timeline to maximize the dramatic tension and explore the multifaceted challenges faced by Lucille and Desi within a confined timeframe. This allowed him to examine their relationship under immense pressure, highlighting their strengths and vulnerabilities. This dramatic license allows the film to explore the intense pressures and scrutiny celebrities face.
8. What themes does Being the Ricardos explore?
The film explores various themes, including the challenges of fame and public scrutiny, the complexities of marriage and partnership, the pressures of upholding a public image, the Red Scare in Hollywood, and the sacrifices made for ambition and success.
9. Is Being the Ricardos a comedy or a drama?
While I Love Lucy was a beloved sitcom, Being the Ricardos is primarily a drama. It delves into the behind-the-scenes struggles and personal lives of the stars, offering a more serious and introspective look at their lives. There are moments of humor, but the overall tone is dramatic.
10. How did Nicole Kidman prepare for her role as Lucille Ball?
Nicole Kidman underwent extensive preparation for the role, including studying Lucille Ball’s mannerisms, voice, and comedic timing. She worked with vocal coaches and researched Ball’s life extensively to embody the iconic actress convincingly. She also spoke extensively with Lucie Arnaz for insights.
11. What are the main conflicts Lucille and Desi face in the film?
The film highlights several conflicts: the accusation of Lucille Ball being a communist, which threatens her career and the show’s future; Desi Arnaz’s alleged infidelity, which jeopardizes their marriage; and the creative clashes and power dynamics that arise from their roles as both spouses and business partners.
12. Does Being the Ricardos offer a new perspective on Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz?
Yes, Being the Ricardos provides a more nuanced and complex portrayal of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz than previously seen in popular media. It showcases their vulnerabilities, insecurities, and flaws, revealing the human beings behind the beloved comedic personas. The film aims to humanize these iconic figures, offering a deeper understanding of their relationship and the pressures they faced.