Being the Ricardos poster
Movie

Being the Ricardos(2021)

DramaHistory
Directed by Aaron Sorkin
Runtime 132 min
Written by Aaron Sorkin
IMDb6.5/10

Synopsis

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz face a crisis that could end their careers and another that could end their marriage.

Cast

Nicole KidmanJavier BardemJ.K. SimmonsNina AriandaTony HaleAlia ShawkatJake LacyLinda Lavin

Script Structure and Narrative Analysis

Scene Intensity Over Runtime

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Scene-by-scene intensity, act structure, pacing score, and narrative insights.

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Act Structure
5-Act
Scenes
148
Pacing Score
78
Runtime
132 min

Pacing Verdict

The screenplay's pacing is generally strong, with a compelling forward drive created by the ticking clock of the production week and the escalating crises. However, the extensive use of flashbacks and the older-witness framing device in the first act creates a fragmented, stop-start rhythm that delays narrative momentum, and the middle acts occasionally linger on character arguments that, while well-written, slow the energy. The final act recovers well, building to an effective emotional and professional climax, but the structural unevenness prevents it from reaching the highest tier of pacing excellence.

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