Saturday Night (2024)

Believe it or not, we are approaching the 50th anniversary of one of TV’s biggest achievements in the world of comedy. That’s right, “SNL,” originally titled Saturday Night, the legendary variety show that launched the careers of such comedic geniuses as John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Mike Meyers, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler has been continuously airing on Saturday nights for nearly a half a century.

But what about the show’s very first Saturday night back on October 11th in 1975 when a young Lorne Michaels set out to break the mold of television with his groundbreaking sketch comedy show? That night becomes the subject of Jason Reitman’s new pressure-cooker comedy called Saturday Night in which he masterfully takes us on a thrilling ride through the tumultuous beginnings of the iconic NBC comedy show.

While the film might not be a by-the-book historical recounting, it perfectly captures the essence and spirit of what was happening behind the scenes—sheer chaos mixed with creative genius.

"Who knew comedy could be so thrilling?"


The film plays out almost in real time as it opens with just 90 minutes remaining until the first Saturday Night episode is to go live over the air. The action is punctuated by title cards throughout that update us with the amount of time left before going live. It is a fabulously thrilling satire with a ticking clock as the villain. Who knew comedy could be so nerve-racking?

Reitman's approach to the subject matter is both refreshing and exhilarating, providing comedy lovers and "SNL" fans with a highly fictionalized, yet hilariously immersive experience. In fact, this might very well be Reitman’s funniest film to date. His film doesn't concern itself with the granular details of history; instead, it plunges us into the frenzy of that first episode's production—an anarchy that still defines the show.

The film's stellar cast, featuring Gabriel LaBelle as Michaels, Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase, Ellen Hunt as Gilda Radner, Dylan O’Brien as Dan Aykroyd, Emily Fair as Laraine Newman, Matt Wood as John Belushi, Lamorne Morris as Garrett Morris, and Kim Matula as Jane Curtin, is the film’s biggest highlight, as the actors bring the early SNL crew to life without resorting to mere impersonations.

Instead, they offer nuanced portrayals that capture the essence of these comedic icons. Their performances pay homage to the legends of comedy while allowing the audience to see their human sides—the doubts, the fears, the shenanigans, and the unyielding drive to make the show a success.Saturday Night (2024)

While the cast largely excels, Wood’s portrayal of Belushi doesn't quite hit the mark. Belushi’s notorious refusal to sign his contract until the last minute creates appropriate tension, but the depth of the character's complex personality feels somewhat under-cooked and one dimensional. Despite this minor shortfall, the film maintains its momentum and charm.

Pay attention and you might notice Jon Batiste – who also developed the film’s score – as that first show’s musical guest, Billy Preston. He’s hilarious!

Becoming a character itself is the incredible cinematography by Eric Steelberg who shot on 16mm film to represent the gritty look of 70s TV. His camera work is impeccable, as it weaves through the crowded backstage madness with a fluidity that makes us feel a part of the crew. Individual conversations and hallway sketch rehearsals fly by in a rat-a-tat-tat instant. A second viewing might be required to catch it all. This first-person perspective is a thrilling way to experience the high stakes and frantic energy that nearly cost the show its debut.

Saturday Night is a love letter to the comedy world and a powerful reminder of the chaos that often precedes art. Reitman's film celebrates the messiness of creativity and the passion required to turn madness into brilliance. For anyone who appreciates the art of comedy in general and the legacy of SNL in particular, this film is a must-watch.

Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the world of sketch comedy, Saturday Night offers an engaging glimpse into the whirlwind that is live television, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the laughter it brings to our screens.

4/5 stars

Film Details

Saturday Night (2024)

MPAA Rating: R.
Runtime:
109 mins
Director
: Jason Reitman
Writer:
Gil Kenan; Jason Reitman
Cast:
Gabriel LaBelle; Rachel Sennott; Cory Michael Smith
Genre
: Comedy
Tagline:
The Revolution Begins at 11:30.
Memorable Movie Quote: "The writers on the seventeenth floor tied a belt around Big Bird's neck and hung him from my dressing room door."
Theatrical Distributor:
Sony Pictures
Official Site:
Release Date:
October 11, 2024
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:

Synopsis: At 11:30pm on October 11th, 1975, a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television forever. Find out what happened behind the scenes in the 90 minutes leading up to the first broadcast of Saturday Night Live.

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