Gabriel LaBelle stands out in the star-studded cast of ‘Saturday Night’ as the only actor not attempting a showy impersonation of their real-life counterpart. This is ironic, considering he plays Lorne Michaels, the legendary creator of ‘Saturday Night Live,’ a man whose influence has touched every comedian he’s hired and likely countless others. While imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, something tells us Michaels will be more impressed by the almost hagiographic portrayal offered in Jason Reitman’s new film.
‘Saturday Night’ is a fast-paced dramatization of the events leading up to the very first episode of SNL, focusing on the intense 90 minutes before the live broadcast. The film features a young, stressed Lorne Michaels, portrayed by LaBelle, struggling to bring his ambitious vision to life amidst a whirlwind of eleventh-hour complications. The premise is irresistible, but the film stretches beyond its real-time gimmick, clocking in at a full 109 minutes.
LaBelle’s performance is captivating, mirroring Michael Keaton in ‘Birdman’ with his relentless energy and inflated sense of self-importance. The constant ticking soundtrack emphasizes the looming deadline, reminding us that the set isn’t finished, the running order is overflowing, and the cast’s egos are clashing. The film is a whirlwind of personalities, showcasing the clashing egos of the ‘Not Ready For Prime Time Players,’ portrayed by a host of young stars. The impressions, ranging from serviceable to uncanny, are a highlight, offering glimpses into the iconic personas that would define SNL. Matthew Rhys captures the cantankerous spirit of George Carlin, while Nicholas Podany’s portrayal of Billy Crystal feels uncannily authentic. Cory Michael Smith perfectly embodies Chevy Chase’s peevish arrogance, while Ella Hunt channels Gilda Radner’s sweet, loopy charm. Dylan O’Brien disappears into the role of Dan Aykroyd.
Reitman, known for his respectful tributes to his father’s legacy, seems to be channeling Aaron Sorkin in ‘Saturday Night.’ The film unfolds like a Sorkin movie, filled with fast-paced dialogue, elaborate camera work, and witty insults. The milieu feels like a chance for Reitman to pay homage to his father’s generation of comedians, celebrating the early days of the funnymen who starred in his dad’s films.
‘Saturday Night’ embraces the romanticized image of early SNL as a breeding ground for daring iconoclasts, pitting head writer Michael O’Donoghue (Tommy Dewey) against a prudish NBC censor (Catherine Curtin). The film presents a cast of characters battling to bring their vision to life, from the clashing personalities of the cast to the challenges of securing funding and navigating the intricacies of the production process.
‘Saturday Night’ isn’t just about male-driven tomfoolery. Reitman showcases the camaraderie and solidarity among the pioneering female headliners of SNL, including Radner, Laraine Newman (Emily Fairn), and Jane Curtin (Kim Matula), who face the challenges of being tokenized in a predominantly white and male comedy troupe.
The film also shines a light on Rosie Shuster (Rachel Sennott), the veteran writer married to Michaels who carries on a casual affair with Aykroyd. She is crucial to the show’s success, navigating the egos of the cast and ensuring the show runs smoothly.
While ‘Saturday Night’ leans heavily into the reverence of a Great Man biopic, it acknowledges the women who were instrumental in the show’s success. It celebrates the contributions of these individuals, showcasing their talent and resilience in a male-dominated industry.
‘Saturday Night’ is a delightful treat for fans of SNL, offering a nostalgic look back at the show’s iconic beginnings. Reitman cleverly uses archival footage and behind-the-scenes anecdotes to create a vibrant and engaging portrait of the show’s origins, capturing the energy and excitement of its early days. However, the film also succumbs to the pitfalls of nostalgia, glossing over the messy realities of its creative process. The film’s portrayal of the events leading up to the show’s debut is polished and sanitized, lacking the grit and authenticity that made the show so groundbreaking in the first place.
Ultimately, ‘Saturday Night’ is a love letter to SNL, a celebration of its legacy and its impact on American comedy. It’s a testament to the vision of Lorne Michaels, showcasing his brilliance as a visionary leader. However, the film’s overly sanitized portrayal of the show’s early days detracts from its potential as a truly insightful and thought-provoking exploration of its creative origins.
