While the late comedian has been portrayed in Oscar-buzzy films as of late (first in fictionalized form as Lucille Doolittle in Licorice Pizza and then played by Nicole Kidman—and Desi by Javier Bardem—in the Aaron Sorkin-directed dramedy Being the Ricardos), Poehler’s doc offers insight into the beloved stars as real people. “We wanted to shape the film through the lens of their love story,” says Poehler, who used home recordings, intimate interviews (CarolBurnett! BetteMidler!) and access to rare archival footage to illustrate a relationship as inspiring as their body of work. The business-savvy duo were innovators, becoming the first studio to profit off syndication—the way we make TV today, Poehler says, is similar to how Desi first shaped it. And they were history-makers, as the first interracial couple on television. But the doc looks at all aspects of their relationship and partnership—the good, the bad and the ugly—and ultimately, the cost of their success. “Documentaries allow the viewer to visit a place they perhaps have never been or let them go deeper on a subject they don’t know enough about,” Poehler says. Hear more from the SNL alum about her experience directing, her respect for the I Love Lucy stars and what showbiz owes to them. What are Lucille Ball’s greatest contributions to show business? Lucille was a believer in hard work and telling the truth. She was not afraid to speak her mind or take big swings. But perhaps her biggest contribution was that by being so funny and such a powerful figure, she represented a space and place for women. Both she and Desi truly lived the idea that representation matters and if you can see it, you can be it. What were you surprised to learn about Lucy and Desi? Watching them perform is being constantly reminded what real skill and hard work looks like. They are two giant talents who became famous after years of honing their craft, and you really see two people who are peaking at the same time. The personal stories and personal motivations were the parts of this film that were the true discoveries. How did you approach their story differently than other films have? We wanted to show the long arc of their lives told through the lens of their relationship, and how, just like their show, they teach us about rupture and repair. They were innovators and icons but also very human and complicated artists who had a very public life. We also wanted to let them tell us in their own words, and so we hear from Lucy and Desi themselves through archives and voice-overs to truly bring them back to life. What was it like diving into their archives? I got to laugh every day. The whole process was a wonderful place to live for the past couple of years. The producers and entire team were a delight, and it was a pleasure to work with LucieArnazLuckinbill. What interested you the most about exploring their relationship? When you are dealing with such famous people as Lucy and Desi, we had a unique challenge. The success of their partnership felt like it helped tell the story in a fresh and new way. Next, Look Back on Desi Arnaz’s Best TV Moments
