Jason Reitman’s Saturday Night brings to life the chaos, creativity, and sheer ambition that birthed Saturday Night Live, offering a gripping and nostalgic look at television history in the making.

Jason Reitman’s Saturday Night is a cinematic time machine that plunges audiences into the chaotic, exhilarating, and revolutionary days preceding the inaugural broadcast of Saturday Night Live on October 11, 1975. Known for his nuanced character work in films like Junoand Up in the Air, Reitman shifts gears here, crafting a vibrant homage to the birth of a cultural phenomenon. Through meticulous direction, a stellar ensemble cast, and a deftly balanced script, Saturday Night captures not only the comedic genius of its characters but also the relentless pressures and personal sacrifices that shaped the creation of one of television’s most enduring legacies.

The film opens in the dimly lit corridors and smoke-filled offices of Studio 8H at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, immersing viewers in the frenetic energy of the week leading up to the first episode. Lorne Michaels (Gabriel LaBelle) is the unyielding force at the center, a producer juggling network executives, eccentric performers, and impossibly tight deadlines. LaBelle portrays Michaels with a mix of deadpan wit and quiet determination, embodying a man whose vision for a daring, irreverent comedy show is both inspiring and deeply human. Reitman’s portrayal of Michaels avoids caricature, delving into his vulnerabilities, frustrations, and unwavering belief in the power of comedy to challenge the status quo.

The ensemble cast is a triumph. Cory Michael Smith shines as Chevy Chase, capturing his acerbic charm and natural comedic timing, while Ella Hunt delivers a poignant performance as Gilda Radner, whose mixture of vulnerability and resilience makes her a standout presence. Dylan O’Brien’s turn as the volatile yet brilliant John Belushi is electrifying, portraying a man whose creative genius is matched only by his personal demons. These performances, supported by a cast that includes Lamorne Morris as Garrett Morris and Rachel Sennott as Rosie Shuster, reflect the raw talent and combustible dynamics that defined the early SNL team.

Eric Steelberg’s cinematography is another star of the film, employing a visual language that oscillates between the stark intimacy of behind-the-scenes moments and the grandeur of Studio 8H’s iconic stage. The camera lingers in writers’ rooms thick with tension and inspiration, capturing every frenzied scribble and impassioned debate. Onstage, it transforms into a frenetic dance, mirroring the adrenaline-fueled chaos of live television. Steelberg’s use of lighting is particularly striking, juxtaposing the unvarnished grit of backstage life with the bright, performative sheen of the spotlight.

Jon Batiste’s score is a revelation, seamlessly blending jazzy riffs with rhythmic beats that echo the show’s famed opening sequences. The music becomes a character in itself, heightening the sense of urgency while adding a playful, almost improvisational spirit to the narrative. Whether punctuating a comedic high point or underscoring a moment of self-doubt, Batiste’s compositions are perfectly attuned to the film’s emotional landscape.

The screenplay, penned by Reitman and a team of seasoned writers, skillfully balances humor, drama, and historical context. It offers laugh-out-loud moments that feel organic, rooted in the camaraderie and conflicts of the cast and crew. Yet it also delves into the personal toll of innovation, exploring the sacrifices made by individuals pushing the boundaries of television comedy. From Michaels’ tenuous relationship with NBC executives to Radner’s struggles with self-doubt, the script paints a multidimensional picture of the challenges faced by those daring to upend convention.

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At its heart, Saturday Night is a story of collaboration amid chaos. The film captures the alchemy of diverse talents coming together under immense pressure, each contributing something unique to the collective vision. It delves into the frayed nerves and egos that often accompanied the creative process, but also celebrates the joy and camaraderie that made the seemingly impossible possible. Reitman’s direction ensures that even the most fraught moments are infused with humanity, reminding viewers that these comedic legends were, first and foremost, people.

The film’s period detail is impeccable, transporting audiences to a New York City teetering on the edge of financial collapse yet brimming with artistic rebellion. From the wardrobe to the production design, every element feels authentic, capturing the zeitgeist of the 1970s with precision and flair. Reitman doesn’t shy away from the cultural and political backdrop that informed SNL’s irreverent tone, weaving it seamlessly into the narrative.

While Saturday Night occasionally teeters into romanticizing its subjects, it never loses sight of their humanity. The film resists the temptation to overly mythologize its characters, presenting them as flawed, driven individuals navigating uncharted territory. For longtime fans of SNL, the movie serves as both a nostalgic journey and a revelatory behind-the-scenes look. For newcomers, it offers an accessible yet deeply resonant introduction to the origins of a show that would go on to shape the comedic landscape for decades.

Rating: ★★★★☆

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