Jason Reitman brings us an insider's look into the early days of Saturday Night Live (SNL) in his rivetingly uproarious homage. Titled "Saturday Night", the film recreates the birth of an American pop culture phenomenon that gave us iconic characters and memorable phrases and launched many successful comedians' careers. Through a series of interviews, Reitman attempts to capture the singular energy, insecurities, and human aspects of the show's cast members during its initial run.
The authenticity of this dramatized history is heightened by the fact that some of its cast members, like Cory Michael Smith, who plays Chevy Chase, and Matt Wood, who plays John Belushi, are not comedians by trade. This leads to a peculiar charm in the ensemble's performance that extends beyond simple mimicry. Their efforts brilliantly highlight the hilarious mayhem behind the scenes of the show's premier episode, from falling lighting rigs and inflamed egos to a wandering llama.
Throughout the film, producer Lorne Michaels, portrayed by Gabriel LaBelle, is constantly pressed to define what SNL is. With a packed show sequence involving host monologues, stand-ups, musical performances, parody commercials, an Andy Kaufman solo, a Jim Henson muppet segment, and more, he is faced with the daunting task of fitting it all into a single broadcast.
Chaos ensues during this process, with sets catching fire and issues amongst the cast, but Reitman manages to make time for each member, adding depth to the narrative. Amidst the ongoing crisis, Michaels persistently strives to maintain confidence while delivering a show that caters to a new generation of viewers.
Reitman's immersive method of storytelling, coupled with a jumpy jazz score by Jon Batiste, creates an atmosphere that portrays the backstage stress and exhilaration in a palpable way. By the film's end, Reitman successfully tells the story of a remarkable night in television history, capturing a pivotal point that reshaped America's sense of humor for years to come.
