At 11:30pm on October 11, 1975, a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television — and culture — forever. Directed by Jason Reitman and written by Gil Kenan & Reitman, Saturday Night is based on the true story of what happened behind the scenes in the 90 minutes leading up to the first broadcast of Saturday Night Live. Full of humor, chaos, and the magic of a revolution that almost wasn’t, we count down the minutes in real time until we hear those famous words….
REVIEW:
Saturday Night (2024), directed by Jason Reitman, is a frenetic, nostalgic dive into the chaotic birth of a television institution. The film, set in the 90 minutes leading up to the first broadcast of “Saturday Night Live” in 1975, is a whirlwind of energy, ambition, and sheer madness. Reitman, known for his deft touch with ensemble casts, brings a sense of controlled chaos that mirrors the very essence of live television.
The standout performances come from Gabriel LaBelle as the young, ambitious Lorne Michaels, and Matt Wood as the mercurial John Belushi. LaBelle captures Michaels’ blend of anxiety and visionary zeal, making him a compelling anchor amidst the surrounding bedlam. Wood, on the other hand, embodies Belushi’s anarchic spirit with a raw intensity that is both captivating and unsettling.
Dylan O’Brien’s portrayal of Dan Aykroyd is another highlight, bringing a genial, fast-talking charm that feels authentic and endearing..
Reitman’s direction is both a strength and a weakness. His decision to shoot the film in real-time, with a constantly moving camera, effectively captures the urgency and unpredictability of live TV. The cinematography, with its warm, nostalgic hues, adds a layer of authenticity that transports the audience back to the 1970s. However, this relentless pace can also be exhausting, and at times, the film feels more like a series of frantic vignettes than a cohesive narrative..
Where Saturday Night truly shines is in its ability to evoke the spirit of the early days of “SNL.” The film is dripping with nostalgia, filled with references to iconic sketches and characters that fans will undoubtedly appreciate. Reitman succeeds in capturing the sense of innovation and rebellion that defined the show’s inception, making the audience feel as if they are part of the creative chaos.
Yet, the film is not without its flaws. The script, co-written by Reitman and Gil Kenan, sometimes relies too heavily on known anecdotes and fails to delve deeper into the characters’ motivations. This can make the film feel superficial, missing the opportunity to provide a more profound exploration of the personalities that shaped “SNL”.
In conclusion, Saturday Night is a mixed bag. It succeeds in capturing the frenetic energy and nostalgic charm of “SNL’s” early days, thanks to strong performances and Reitman’s dynamic direction. However, its narrative shortcomings and relentless pace may leave some viewers feeling overwhelmed. For fans of “SNL” and those curious about the show’s origins, it is a fascinating, if imperfect, tribute to a cultural phenomenon.
Saturday Night gets a 3.5/5 or a B+.
Directed by
Written by
- Gil Kenan
- Jason Reitman
Produced by
- Jason Blumenfeld
- Peter Rice
- Jason Reitman
- Gil Kenan
Starring
- 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
Cinematography
Edited by
- Nathan Orloff
- Shane Reid
Music by
Production
companies
- Columbia Pictures
- Reitman/Kenan Productions
Distributed by
Release dates
- August 31, 2024(Telluride)
- October 11, 2024(United States)
Running time
109 minutes[1]
Country
United States
Language
English
Budget
$25–30 million
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