I was struggling to write anything recreational for a while. Knee-deep in my final year of university, it’s really all I can think about. Thanks to my super reliable brother who has an otherworldly work ethic, we managed to put out content to keep this page somewhat alive.
That being said, we will do better.
Correction: I will do better.
Anyway, who would’ve guessed that the movie that would shove me out of the writing slump and into a pit of passion and confidence would be Being the Ricardos (2021)? Definitely not me.
I have to admit, 2021 and 2020, are both terrible years for me in terms of watching movies. Out of the blue, I started feeling like watching movies was too much of a commitment and that I could not allocate two 2 to 3 hours to just sit and watch a movie. Clearly, that was a complete lie because I still spent hours watching TV shows or documentaries.
Regardless, I am thrilled to be back in the active column of writing. More importantly, I am heads over heels excited to be discussing my thoughts about Being the Ricardos (2021): one of my favourite movies from 2021.
Plot Summary
Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem starred in this film, taking the roles of the former actor and married couple Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez. This movie gives us a behind-the-scenes peek at TV show production, topped with some family drama, all the while touching on themes such as gender representation and even politics. The story took place in the 60s amidst the ominous fog and tension that is the Cold War. Yet the plot is centred around the power couple’s relationship and the obstacles they overcame to save their show and career.
The movie is directed by Aaron Sorkins and so far, I have not only enjoyed but also am incredibly blown away by his film discography. This is a great follow-up from the masterpiece that is the Trial of Chicago 7.
(Image credit: The Talks)
Review and Discussion
There are countless things to praise this film for. However, it would be a crime to not begin this review by raving about how brilliant Nicole Kidman was in this film.
Once again, a true master of her craft, Kidman morphed right into the character of Lucille Ball. I could not even recognise her as Nicole Kidman and that’s saying something given her numerous iconic roles. Special props to the make-up and costume team because the transformation was quite phenomenal. Her acting was incredible in this film. The charisma oozing from the character she portrayed, a genius actress with godly talent, and the glimpses of vulnerability sneakily peeking through every now and then- Kidman completely nailed this role. She captured the ferocity of an actress with ambitious goals that are not only limited to developing her career, but also her husband’s.
In this time period (I’m sure it still applies today, but that’s another discussion), ageing female actresses fade from big screens into radio shows regardless of how sensational their previous performances were. Yet Lucille Ball’s talent, natural charm, and bigger-than-life stage presence could not be contained. It demands to be seen. And not even the most traditional, conservative, and probably misogynistic men in the room could deny this.
(Image credit: CNN)
Given the rare opportunity to revive her acting career in TV, Lucille Ball stands her ground, demanding a role also for her husband. The lengths she went to support her husband, to be with him, and to water the tree that is their marriage is inspirational and relatable to many. We also see that her husband is just as willing to save Ball from trouble. And although it is less clear and more up to one’s interpretation, the husband Desi also seems to love and admire Ball just as much.
Hence, the downfall of their marriage is an interesting turn of events. Previously, I have discussed the blurred lines of infidelity in Eyes Wide Shut (1999), which coincidentally also stars Nicole Kidman. In that article (which you can read here), I discussed whether there is anything wrong with the mere thought of infidelity.
In this case, though, Desi did indeed physically cheat. And on the very same night that this was confirmed to Ball, Desi saved her career. He also went to great lengths to do so, arguably matching Ball’s efforts.
(Image credit: Glamour)
The question now would be should Ball forgive Desi? And the next question can cheating be avoided?
After all, Desi and Ball started off on what appeared to be genuine and passionate love.
As this is a true story, it was revealed that not only did Ball not forgive Desi. She handled the situation with grace and class. It was both impressive and heartbreaking to watch. Anyone who has been in a similar situation where you hear bad news but just have to keep going would instantly know how hard it is to keep your composure. Yet Ball did not stop there. She delivered an amazing performance that night. And the next morning, she pulled the plug on their marriage. A right but definitely difficult decision to make.
That, ladies and gentlemen, is a woman who knows her worth and should be applauded for her bravery.
But something else also caught my attention in the final scene.
Throughout the movie, we see Ball fixated on correcting the dinner table scene. The frustration consumed her and everyone close to her noticed. Desi. Co-star Vivian and William. Her obsession with fixing the scene happened alongside the unraveling of her communism scandal and Desi’s cheating rumours.
From the get-go, Ball had made it clear as day that she was more worried about the latter than the former. Every time there is an advancement of the cheating rumours, it visibly affects Ball and she displaces this frustration onto fixing the dinner table scene.
On a metaphorical level, the dinner table scene and Ball’s obsession with fixing it is a direct representation of what she is trying to do with her relationship with Desi. She came up with an alternate version of the scene which will be acted and filmed alongside the original version. The alternate version she came up with was perfect. The writers agree. Her co-stars agree.
Crucially, it also features the show’s iconic line which seems to carry a double meaning: “Lucy, I’m home!”
The alternate version is the product of Ball’s creativity and talent. It also represents the contributions Ball has made to the marriage and Desi’s career. She did do everything she could to make it as perfect as it could be given the circumstances.
A loving wife and mother. Beautiful. Talented. Supportive. Not only to Desi’s direct career opportunities but also his representation to the public such that he appears to be the boss in their relationship and at work. Oftentimes, Ball understood and complied with the fact that she had to dim her lights a little for her husband. Desi did not pressure or forced her to do any of these things. She knew that these were the necessary things to do to “save her marriage.”
When they first met, Desi asked Ball what her ambitions were.
Ball said to have a home.
Ball quoted this conversation again when confronting Desi about the cheating rumours. She said, a mixture of anger and hurt, you liked my answer.
(Image credit: Gold Derby)
Lucille Ball represents a woman, who in addition to her talents, is confident, strong, and not afraid to say and act to get what she wants. She’s brave not just because she dares to pursue her ambitions but also because she will gracefully accept failure and rejection. Even if it means ending up alone.
She is comfortable and confident in who she is and what she can do. She is respected by her community and colleagues. Her opinion matters because her talent and charisma cannot be denied.
All she wanted was a partner who shared the same vision of having a home. And as good, loving, and equally talented as Desi was, he made a huge mistake.
Lucille Ball will have none of his bullshit, even after all they’ve been through.
Ball’s confidence and self-love are inspiring. I think we could all learn a thing or two from her.
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