The newly released “Saturday Night” film showcases the tumultuous journey before the first episode of “Saturday Night Live”
By AALIYAH ESPAÑOL-RIVAS — arts@theaggie.org
“Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” is typically the phrase that comes to mind when thinking about the sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live” (SNL). Airing since 1975, the show is currently on its 50th season, with a history of talented comedians, amazing hosts and breathtaking musical performances. However, the show wasn’t always a pop culture hit, as it originally started with a handful of up-and-coming comedians found off the street.
The film “Saturday Night” showcases the humble beginnings of the show, following the chaotic 90 minutes prior to the first live taping of “Saturday Night Live.” Shot from the perspective of Lorne Michaels, the show’s creator, the film goes through the (literal) highs and lows of the taping, as each member of the cast tries to find out what exactly SNL is.
The film, beginning from the outside of the NBC building, shows a frantic Michaels (Gabriel LaBelle) as he scrambles to get his crew together by airtime. With pressures from NBC executives who are curious to figure out how the show will turn out, Michaels goes from floor to floor as writers, cast members and higher-ups berate him with questions and demands as he tries to put out fire after fire. From actors unwilling to sign contracts, falling equipment and drugs being inhaled behind closed doors, Michaels can never catch a break. Accompanied by fast-paced music and frantic scene cuts with nauseating shot-reverse shots, viewers are taken through the hectic journey as time ticks down.
However, beyond Michaels, each cast member struggles internally with finding their purpose on the show. Comedian Garret Morris (Lamorne Morris), questions why he was even chosen for the role given his impressive past on Broadway as a playwright. Comedian Jane Curtin (Kim Matula) struggles with her age and maturity in comparison to her coworkers. Most prominently, comedian Chevy Chase (Cory Michael Smith) attempts to climb the television ladder despite his underlying insecurities after being approached to take over as a talk show host in replacement of Johnny Carson.
Yet, all of these problems are put to rest as the climax of the film occurs and Michaels learns NBC has no real faith in his show, with a rerun of another show on standby to air instead. Along with the lead comedian, John Belushi (Matt Wood), quitting the show before even signing his contract, everything comes to a screeching halt. In a moment of pure despair, Michaels wanders into a bar and encounters an aspiring writer who gives him the strength to keep going.
As a result, Michaels returns to the studio ready to give it his all. After running through successful sketches, there are only minutes before airtime. Nonetheless, it isn’t until mere seconds before that studio executives decide to give SNL a shot.
While it is hard to describe exactly what SNL was in its beginnings, the film shows that despite being turbulent, the show provided a home for everyone involved. Though it took some time to find its voice, and a name change from “Saturday Night” to “Saturday Night Live,” the show eventually grew and housed successful comedians such as Jim Carrey, Adam Sandler and Tina Fey.
SNL itself proves you always have to take a chance on new ideas, as you never know what could come out of a semi-raunchy, clunky band of misfits and comedians. Check out “Saturday Night” in a theater near you to see for yourself!
Written by: Aaliyah Español-Rivas — arts@theaggie.org
