Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Being the Ricardos

 

Being the Ricardos takes place over the course of one week in 1952. The stars of I Love Lucy, real life husband and wife, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, face challenges in their personal and professional lives, that have the potential to destroy their happy marriage, vibrant careers, and hit television show. Starring Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem and J. K. Simmons.


I liked the plot and thought that it moved well. The hair, makeup and costumes did a great job in helping to transport you to the 1950s. I didn't know much about Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz before watching this movie. I knew of I Love Lucy but never watched a full episode and never knew the impact it had on television as a whole. This film did a great job in showing the innerworkings of filming the show with a live audience, along with all of the stressors behind the scenes.

Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem are well deserving of their acting nominations this season. They had strong chemistry and did a great job showing the complicated nature of Lucy and Desi's relationship. Nicole got the voice down and really embraced the aura of Lucy. As her she was the star of the show, a confident woman, a woman ahead of her time in many ways, but also, because of that, a woman who was perceived as difficult to work with. Javier Bardem was perfect casting. As Desi he was able to show the duality of this imperfect, groundbreaking man. He was a true showman that was hardworking and creative. During a particular downturn for Lucy, he was the one took charge and did what needed to be done to protect his wife. He was likeable but at times also partook in salacious hobbies. 

Being the Ricardos, although a slow burn that took me a couple of days to get through, was well worth the time in the end. This biographical drama lead not with action or intense sequences, but more with superb dramatic acting from star studded casting and a bit of comedy. Therefore, I'd say for those willing to take the ride, don't give up on it, because it was worth it. 

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