In 1952, Hollywood power couple Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz face personal and professional obstacles that threaten their careers, their relationship, and their hit television show.
Director: Aaron Sorkin
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, J. K. Simmons, Nina Arianda, Tony Hale, Alia Shawkat, Jake Lacy, Clark Gregg
Release Date:
Genre: Biography, Drama
Rated R for language
Runtime: 2h 5m
Review:
Being The Richardos is a showy biopic that's held together by a wonderful turn from it's cast but it lacks consistency from start to finish. Writer/director Aaron Sorkin brings his signature dialogue to his film and it drives the narrative as expected. A strange and unnecessary faux documentary framing device though saps the film of forward momentum by moving the focus off the titular couple. Once onscreen, Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem make for an interesting couple even if their physical similarities to the real people are less than convincing especially Bardem. Kidman is fully committed to the role and delivers a strong performance, capturing Ball's signature raspy voice and mannerisms. There are portions of the film where she just disappears into the role especially in the few scenes where iconic moments from the original show are recreated. Outside of mere mimicry, Sorkin and Kidman give us moments that display Ball's eye for comedy and others that display her strength as the TV heavyweight she was. Bardem is solid throughout even though his performance isn't able to escape his gravelly voice and distinct style. Its a minor issue as Bardem and Kidman share some strong moments together onscreen especially in the film's final act. The supporting cast is made up of familiar faces like Alia Shawkat, Tony Hale and Jack Lacy who all deliver workman turns. J.K. Simmons and Nina Arianda though leave the biggest impressions, once you overlook the fact that neither looks anything like their real life counter parts, with memorable turns as William Frawley and Vivian Vance who played the Mertz. It all makes for an entertaining biopic that uses heavy dramatic license to condenses multiple life events in the Balls life but Being The Richardos is not the homerun it should have been.
B-
