As it approaches its 50th anniversary next year, it’s worth recognizing that NBC’s sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live has undoubtedly left a defining mark on pop culture in more than a few ways. From an endless list of memorable skits to the iconic one-liners born within them, the seminal show started its journey on one night in 1975 — defying all obstacles put in its path to air live on television screens across the country. The beloved series was initially called “Saturday Night,” and the fact that its creator, Lorne Michaels, managed to convince NBC execs to house an absurd sketch comedy program run by a bunch of unhinged, amateur 20-somethings is a near miracle in and of itself. On that note, 2024’s Saturday Night is kind of a miracle in its own right.
Directed by Jason Reitman (Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Juno), Saturday Night portrays a biographical comedy that brings to life one of the most intense nights in TV history: the 1975 premiere of the iconic comedy show. Set in NBC headquarters and unfolding in a 90-minute window before the first broadcast of Saturday Night Live, Reitman and co-writer Gil Kenan (Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire) aim to capture all the chaotic hilarity that would forever change television. The narrative follows a highly stressed 30-year-old Lorne Michaels, played by Gabriel LaBelle (The Fabelmans), as he navigates a maze of a studio, juggling the cast (some of whom are high), solving problems as they arise, and racing against the clock towards the 11:30 pm showtime.
The cast ensemble of Saturday Night is both vast and impressive, featuring a multitude of familiar faces to engage the audience. Gabriel LaBelle’s portrayal of Lorne Michaels showcases a frantic studio environment where some actors believe the material is beneath them, others resort to smoking weed to ease the tension, and unfinished scripts and falling lights heighten the chaos. Meanwhile, NBC advisor Dick Ebersol (Cooper Hoffman) lurks, eagerly anticipating Michaels’ failure. A subplot involving Michaels’ wife, Rosie Shuster (Rachel Sennott), and cast member Dan Aykroyd (Dylan O’Brien) adds a romantic entanglement to the mix, while John Belushi (Matt Wood) unexpectedly exits the set.
Gabriel LaBelle in ‘Saturday Night’ courtesy of Sony
Gotham’s Cory Michael Smith delivers a striking portrayal of Chevy Chase, amidst accusations of seeking to overshadow and become the new Johnny Carson. Emmy-winner Lamorne Morris impresses as Garrett Morris, the first Black SNL cast member, navigating his unexpected position. David Tebet (Willem Dafoe) oversees the chaos, ready to shut down the production at any moment. The film also includes Finn Wolfhard, Ella Hunt, J.K. Simmons, Matthew Rhys, Nicholas Braun, and various other cameos.
The extensive cast of Saturday Night accurately reflects the magnitude of the sketch comedy show. However, the screenplay’s focus primarily on Lorne Michaels sidelines the female characters, relegating them to supporting roles. Despite standout moments, actresses like Kim Matula, Emily Fairn, Kaia Gerber, and Ella Hunt receive limited attention compared to their male counterparts. The performances in the film vary from uncanny to satisfactory, with some portrayals bordering on caricature. While the technical aspects shine, including swift editing and dynamic cinematography, there are areas for improvement in character development and gender balance.
Cory Michael Smith in ‘Saturday Night’ courtesy of Sony
Despite its imperfections, Saturday Night offers an entertaining portrayal of the SNL chaos, capturing the essence of the show with its blend of humor and unpredictability. While some aspects fall short, such as character development and gender representation, the technical prowess and standout performances elevate the viewing experience. The urgency of the production’s high-stakes environment keeps the audience engaged, offering a glimpse into the madness behind the iconic show. With a mix of wit and disorder, Saturday Night reminds audiences of SNL’s enduring appeal and cultural significance.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Saturday Night played at the 2024 Telluride Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival. The film will be released in limited theaters on September 27 and will expand to a wide release on October 11!
Release Date: September 27, 2024.
Directed by Jason Reitman.
Written by Gil Kenan & Jason Reitman.
Produced by Jason Blumenfeld, Peter Rice, Jason Reitman & Gil Kenan.
Executive Producer: Erica Mills & JoAnn Perritano.
Main Cast: Gabriel LaBelle, Rachel Sennott, Cory Michael Smith, Ella Hunt, Dylan O’Brien, Emily Fairn, Matt Wood, Lamorne Morris, Kim Matula, Finn Wolfhard, Nicholas Braun, Cooper Hoffman, Andrew Barth Feldman, Kaia Gerber, Tommy Dewey, Willem Dafoe, Matthew Rhys, J.K. Simmons, Jon Batiste, Naomi McPherson, & Taylor Gray.
Cinematographer: Eric Steelberg.
Composer: Jon Batiste.
Production Companies: Columbia Pictures & Reitman/Kenan Productions.
Distributor: Sony Pictures Releasing.
Runtime: 109 minutes.
Rated R.
FAQs
Q: Is Saturday Night a faithful portrayal of the behind-the-scenes chaos at SNL?
A: While the film captures the essence of SNL’s frenetic energy and unpredictability, certain aspects are dramatized for entertainment purposes.
Q: How does the film handle gender representation in the SNL ensemble?
A: The film focuses primarily on male characters, with female cast members receiving limited attention, leading to a gender imbalance in the narrative.
Q: Are the performances in Saturday Night convincing?
A: The performances range from uncanny to notable, with standout portrayals overshadowing some caricature-like depictions.
Q: What technical aspects of the film stand out?
A: Saturday Night impresses with its editing, cinematography, and score, contributing to the chaotic yet visually stunning portrayal of the SNL production.
Credit: discussingfilm.net
