'Being the Ricardos' explores what was going on behind the scenes while America loved Lucy

The behind-the-scenes workings of a great television show can be fascinating on a normal week, given all it takes to go from an idea to something that millions of viewers will eventually see.

The week covered in “Being the Ricardos” was anything but ordinary on screen or off for Lucille Ball (played by Nicole Kidman) and Desi Arnaz (Javier Bardem). The film, written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, covers a week in which the couple had to deal with questions of fidelity to their marriage and even the country, all while putting the finishing touches on one of the most popular television shows of all time.

The story begins on the set of “I Love Lucy,” starting with a table read in which the characters get their first look at that week’s script. While the actors on screen are taking apart the premise and jokes involved in that week’s show, Sorkin’s movie is setting the table for the complex relationships between the actors and the characters they play, the dynamic among Ball, Arnaz and the show’s network and sponsors and even the fascinating relationship between Ball and Arnaz.

Lots going on behind the scenes of 'I Love Lucy'

Fans of “I Love Lucy” or even of early television comedies in general, are no doubt aware of the tense relationships on the set of that show. William Frawley (played brilliantly by J.K. Simmons) was a crusty old vaudevillian who played grumpy neighbor Fred Mertz. Vivian Vance (Nina Arianda) was a former dancer who played Mertz's wife and Lucy’s best friend, Ethel. The bickering those characters engaged in on the show probably paled in comparison to what went on the set between Frawley and Vance.

Vance also bristled at the fact that her character had to downplay her own beauty so as not to upstage Ball. There is a particularly telling scene where the costume designer shows Vance a dress meant for her character to wear. Ball sees the dress, decides it’s too sexy for Ethel and nixes the idea.

Meanwhile Arnaz, who in addition to being an accomplished musician and actor, turned out to be a brilliant businessman and television innovator. However, his Cuban heritage caused some people to only see him as some sort of other, despite his proving his patriotism during World War II.

Ball had put in her time in the Hollywood studio system only to be continuously passed over for younger actresses. After being told she should try radio, she found her niche in television and became a cultural icon.

An unsourced comment on Walter Winchell’s radio program states that the star of America’s most popular television show was a communist, which cast suspicion on Ball. Meanwhile the tabloids of the day were running stories suggesting Arnaz was cheating on Ball, accusations he denied.

J.K. Simmons stands out in a strong cast

"Being the Ricardos" answers those questions while shedding light on the interesting relationships among the main characters. There are times when the film almost takes on too much, but the dialog is so sharp and the interaction between the characters is solid enough that it never gets bogged down.

Simmons, in particular, is outstanding. Anyone who paid attention to “I Love Lucy” probably thought that a guy as comically grumpy as Fred Mertz would swear a lot. Simmons' portrayal of Frawley puts an end to that speculation and is at times hilarious while still being a stabilizing presence for Ball and Arnaz.

"Being the Ricardos" is a fascinating look at a time in American life when a number of facades were beginning to crumble. The film examines several of those issues, including racism and cultural bias, sexuality, beauty and the role of women in society.

It does all of those things while telling a truly engaging story.

'Being the Ricardos,' 4 stars

Great ★★★★★ Good ★★★★

Fair ★★★ Bad ★★ Bomb ★

Director: Aaron Sorkin.

Cast: Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, J.K. Simmons, Nina Arianda.

Rated: R for language

Note: In theaters Dec. 10, on Amazon Prime Video Dec. 21.

Reach the reporter at weldon.johnson@arizonarepublic.com. Or follow him on Twitter at @weldonjohnson.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'Being the Ricardos' movie review: Nicole Kidman stars as Lucille Ball