While writer/director Aaron Sorkin’s Being The Ricardos was previously teased with a short and tense trailer, we barely got to see Nicole Kidman in the role of Lucille Ball. An air of mystery is appreciated with a film such as this, but ultimately the world is going to want to see how Kidman’s portrayal of the I Love Lucy star stacks up with the actual legendary comedy figure herself. Well, want no more, as both Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem’s leads in the Prime Video’s original have a lot more screen time in this latest trailer.
Further revealing the story of Being The Ricardos, this new look from Prime Video recalls some of the most historic trials that Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz faced during their tumultuous marriage. With whispers of infidelity, Communist sympathies, and possible failure for I Love Lucy all putting pressure on the couple, Aaron Sorkin’s narrative absolutely looks to be living up to its promise to focus on the people behind the laughter. But there’s still some chuckles to be had, in-between what looks like it could lead to a lot of tears and arguments.
Though Nicole Kidman’s appearance as Lucille Ball had previously been leaked to the public, this is the first extensive look that has officially been revealed. Being The Ricardos also shows off more of its supporting cast, as J.K. Simmons and Alia Shawkat get some key moments with Kidman as the reel goes on. Of course, the real icing on the top of this new pitch for the Prime Video original film has to be the absolutely classic punchline shared between Javier Bardem’s Desi and Kidman’s Lucy, in what looks like an hour of need.
It’s a purely Aaron Sorkin concept on display in Being The Ricardos, with show business, fast paced dialogue, and a very limited scope of history all making up the formula. And with Lucille Ball’s real life accusations of being a Communist coming into the picture, we might see Sorkin show off some of those courtroom dramatics he’s honed well through projects like A Few Good Men and most recently Netflix’s The Trail of the Chicago 7.
For a movie that almost sounded like it didn’t happen, Being The Ricardos looks to be in pretty good shape. Of course, figuring out how the fictionalized account matches up to historical record will be an interesting exercise to engage in. Poetic license can only go so far, especially when the story you’re telling happens to be centered around two of the world’s most beloved comedic creators.
Being The Ricardos goes in front of a live movie theater audience on December 10th, with Prime Video adding the film to its library as of December 21st. And don’t forget to take a look at the slate of upcoming Nicole Kidman movies, outside of this particular dramedy. Last, but not least, if looking to the future is your thing, then the 2022 release schedule is absolutely the place to be for what’s to come in the new year.
