SATURDAY NIGHT Review - Warped Factor - Words in the Key of Geek.

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SATURDAY NIGHT Review

It feels like it has taken forever for Jason Reitman’s Saturday Night to arrive in UK cinemas. I’m pleased to say, it was worth the wait. Yes, it didn't exactly set US box offices alight when released last September, but I suspect this will go on to achieve cult status as audiences for years to come discover this wonderfully entertaining love letter to the chaos and creativity of live television’s most iconic institution, NBC’s Saturday Night Live

With an ensemble cast portraying the larger-than-life characters who brought the show’s inaugural episode to air, Saturday Night captures both the exhilaration and the anxiety of that historic night in October 1975. This biographical comedy-drama balances its comedic charm with poignant moments of reflection, resulting in a film that is as entertaining as it is insightful.

At the heart of the film is Gabriel LaBelle’s portrayal of Lorne Michaels, the show’s visionary creator and producer. LaBelle embodies Michaels with a mix of ambition, vulnerability, and deadpan wit, making him both a relatable and commanding presence. From the outset, Michaels is depicted as a man under immense pressure, navigating the demands of executives, temperamental cast members, and last-minute technical disasters. It’s a testament to LaBelle’s performance that he makes this chaos feel both overwhelming and strangely inspiring.

The supporting cast is equally remarkable, with standout performances from Ella Hunt as Gilda Radner, Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase, and Catherine Curtin as the beleaguered censor Joan Carbunkle. Hunt’s Radner radiates warmth and comedic brilliance, capturing the essence of a performer who would go on to become a legend. Smith’s Chase is a study in charm and arrogance, while Curtin’s Carbunkle provides a hilariously antagonistic foil to the creative team’s rebellious spirit.

The film’s narrative is structured around the mounting tensions of the evening, with each subplot adding to the overall sense of unpredictability. Garrett Morris’s struggle to find his place among the predominantly white cast, John Belushi’s erratic behaviour, and Jim Henson’s frustrations with the writing team are all given significant weight, making the ensemble feel vibrant and fully realised. Matt Wood’s portrayal of Belushi is particularly noteworthy; he brings an intensity to the role that captures both the comedic genius and the self-destructive tendencies of the late performer.

Reitman’s direction is sharp and assured, blending the chaotic energy of the production with quieter, introspective moments that reveal the humanity behind the legends. The cinematography by Eric Steelberg (Up in the Air) employs a muted, nostalgic colour palette, evoking the aesthetic of 1970s television while grounding the film in its historical context. The production design is meticulously detailed, from the cramped NBC offices to the bustling stage where sketches come to life.

What truly elevates Saturday Night is its script, which deftly balances humour and drama. The dialogue crackles with wit, particularly in scenes where the writers clash with Carbunkle over censorship. These moments not only provide comic relief but also highlight the tensions between artistic freedom and corporate oversight, a theme that feels as relevant today as it did in 1975.

However, the film is not without its flaws. Some characters, such as Paul Shaffer and George Carlin, feel underdeveloped, serving more as cameos than fully fleshed-out figures, which given the huge ensemble is perhaps expected. Additionally, the pacing occasionally falters, particularly in the middle act, where the focus shifts between subplots without clear momentum. These shortcomings, though noticeable, are minor in the grand scheme of the film’s achievements.

The climax of the film, which culminates in the successful airing of the show’s first episode, is a triumphant celebration of creativity and perseverance. From Andy Kaufman’s Mighty Mouse sketch to the iconic first utterance of "Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!" the finale captures the magic of a moment that would change television forever.

At its heart, this is a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of Saturday Night Live and the visionaries who made it possible. Saturday Night is not just a film about the origins of a legendary television show; it’s a tribute to the spirit of collaboration and the power of taking risks. Reitman has crafted a movie that is both a celebration of comedy and the very human stories behind the laughter. For fans of Saturday Night Live and newcomers alike, this is a film that demands to be seen.

Saturday Night opens across the UK on January 31st 2025.

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