Being the Ricardos

Hollywood has produced many remakes of older films and TV shows, and while most of them have been a sorry representation of the original, some simply shine and belong in that category of well crafted films. "Being the Ricardos" certainly makes the grade of a well-hewned remake on many levels.

Lucille Ball (Nicole Kidman) and Desi Arnaz (Javier Bardem) are threatened by shocking personal accusations, a political smear and cultural taboos in this behind-the-scenes drama. A revealing glimpse of the couple's complex romantic and professional relationship, the film takes audiences into the writer's room with writers, Madelyn Pugh (Alia Shawkat) and Bob Carroll (Jake Lacy), onto the soundstage and behind closed doors with Ball and Arnaz during one critical production week with co-stars Vivian Vance (Nina Arianda) and William Frawley (J.K. Simmons), of their groundbreaking sitcom "I Love Lucy".

Others to round out the cast are Tony Hale as Jess Oppenheimer, Linda Lavin as older Madelyn Pugh, Ronny Cox as older Bob Carroll, John Rubinstein as older Jess Oppenheimer, Clark Gregg as Howard Wenke-CBS, Nelson Franklin as Joe Strickland-CBS and Jeff Holman as Roger Otter- Phillip Morris. 

This was well directed by Aaron Sorkin ("Molly's Game" '17, "The Trial of the Chicago 7" '20). Where Sorkin lacks in experience behind the camera, he more than makes up for quality. Not only was he able to extract that right emotion out of his actors, but also the movements and tonality of each character had that was a subtle nuance of those characters we loved seeing them on that iconic sitcom. It was also well written by Aaron Sorkin ("A Few Good Men" '92, "Malice" '93, "The American President" '95, "Charlie Wilson's War" '07, "The Social Network" '18, "Moneyball" '11, "Steve Jobs" '15, "Molly's Game" '17, "The Trial of the Chicago 7" '20) plus a ton of TV. Where Sorkin is much newer to the directing field, he is a seasoned veteran when it comes to writing-- his "A Few Good Men" was based on his play by the same name. This film was presented by chapters--each working production of the five day week, telling the audience what transpired each day as it was delineated with meticulous detail. I never tire of a Sorkin screenplay which is always a cohesive, concise and well thought out script. Truly, the only small obstacle of this is that, even though Kidman is an extremely talented actor, there were a few times that she didn't carry off that look and presence that is definitely Ball, otherwise most of the time, she is spot on. Bardem's Ricky, Simmons' Fred and Arianda's Ethel were all amazing in their respective roles. Also, as to be expected with most period films, the production values, i.e. production design, costume design and photography were painstakingly well delineated. 

If you loved the sitcom, "I Love Lucy"you will love this. Both Lucille Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr were so impressed of this biopic of their mother and father, they decided to be two of the executive producers of this film. This was well written, directed and acted, and if Oscar is friendly it could garner a number of nods.

Out Of 4 Stars: 3.5                                          Rated: R                                                    131mins.