Saturday Night by Jason Reitman is a feat with comedic pacing inside a film. Fitted with the heavy task of telling the story of the making of the first Saturday Night Live episode, Reitman knew this movie had to be funny and fast. I’m pleased to say that all of the writing, talent, direction, and photography exceeded expectations. Saturday Night tells the story of a legendary producer, Lorne Michaels before his empire was built and his legacy was set in stone. Ninety minutes before the first ever episode airs, Lorne struggles to piece together his crew, cast, and ideas for one of the longest-running television shows in America.
The movie kicks off with a Lorne we have never known before. He’s confident and building up a front, but you can see his progressive donut creeping in. Every minute that passes feels elongated, but it’s never enough time for all of the quirky problems that arrive. We share stress with Lorne as he deals with executives, TV politics, melodramatic talent, low morale from crew, and overall lack of faith from everyone but himself. As the minutes peel by, you start to join in the madness and forget that you were never in the room. The film also decorates its period well, allowing itself those niche 70s references without alienating audiences. The film is nostalgic but it doesn’t sit in the past, it tells the timeless story of creative pursuit no matter how insane it makes you.
The cast is absolutely phenomenal with complete transformations of modern-day jokers to the classic comics of the past. Rachel Sennott plays Lorne’s quick-witted ex-wife who holds the show together and it’s a completely new role for her. She’s kind and soft but has the sharpest wit out of all. Dylan O’Brien stays a dream boat but adds a new sleazy, funny layer with his interpretation of Dan Aykroyd. Nicholas Braun absolutely stuns and amazes in his dual role of the Muppet’s Jim Henson and the irreverent comic Andy Kaufman. The entire cast take risks and add layers to their role that bring a whole new life to the comics we knew on stage and the crew members we never saw before. After leaving the theater, you have a whole new appreciation for the filmmakers of Saturday Night and Saturday Night Live.
Overall, this film is compressed in a 90 minute time frame with a 90 minute run time, so it gets absolutely stressful but incredibly riveting. I absolutely encourage all to show your support for Saturday Night in the box office. I guarantee lots of laugh, intense immersion and a new outlook on America’s favorite variety show. It’s uplifting, inspiring, and intelligent to all those who are tirelessly pushing for their dream to be a reality.