Directed by Jason Reitman, Saturday Night is a captivating biographical comedy-drama film, co-written with Gil Kenan. The film was produced by Reitman alongside Jason Blumenfeld and Peter Rice, and it hit theaters on October 11, 2024.
This feature boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Gabriel LaBelle, Cooper Hoffman, Rachel Sennott, Ella Hunt, Dylan O’Brien, Cory Michael Smith, Matthew Rhys, Lamorne Morris, J. K. Simmons, Nicholas Braun, and Willem Dafoe, among others.
The storyline draws inspiration from the real events surrounding NBC’s premiere of Saturday Night, which has evolved into the iconic Saturday Night Live. It delves into the challenges faced by visionary Lorne Michaels, who grapples with rebellious cast members, hesitant studio executives, and an unyielding production team as he counts down to the live airing.
The official synopsis highlights the cultural impact of this moment:
“At 11:30 PM on October 11, 1975, a dynamic group of young comedians and writers forever changed television — and culture itself.”
It’s important to note that John Belushi did not go ice skating prior to SNL’s debut; this scene, like many in the film, has been fictionalized for dramatic effect.
Insights into John Belushi’s Role in Saturday Night
John Belushi and Chevy Chase emerged as breakout stars in the inaugural season of Saturday Night Live. In the film, Belushi grapples with uncertainty regarding his participation in the show and finds himself in confrontations rather than focusing on the live broadcast preparation.
At an intense moment, he steps away from the tumultuous set and wanders to the nearby Rockefeller Center, clad in a bumblebee costume. In an attempt to clear his head, he practices a challenging triple axel move, only to fall spectacularly. Michaels, who follows him to the rink, rushes in to check on his well-being.
The iconic comedian is cautious about being controlled by Michaels but wishes to assure that his artistic independence isn’t compromised. This ice-skating incident leads Belushi to realize that Michaels tends to adopt a hands-off approach, granting actors the freedom to explore their creativity.
Convinced, he formally commits to the NBC contract just moments before the live show begins. He then strides in front of the camera, presenting the debut skit, The Wolverine, alongside head writer Michael O’Donoghue.
Contrasting reality, Belushi’s actual contract signing was delayed until the very last moment. It was Michaels’ manager, Bernie Brillstein, who ultimately persuaded him to finalize the agreement. In a recollection for the 2002 book, Live From New York, Brillstein shared:
“He (Belushi) said, ‘Okay, I’ll sign the contract if you manage me.’ I swear, it was five minutes before showtime. At that moment, I didn’t fully grasp how incredible Belushi was, so I simply said yes to get him to sign the damn contract.”
Andy Kaufman and Garrett Morris Bring Lorne Michaels’ Vision to Life
Willem Dafoe portrays NBC executive David Tebet, the VP of Talent Relations, who wields the authority to approve or cancel the series. Throughout the narrative, he surveys the set, trying to comprehend Michaels’ vision for Saturday Night. He often seeks clarification from Lorne about the show’s premise.
Lorne depicts the show’s concept as “an all-nighter in the city, encapsulating everything you anticipate when moving to New York.”Lacking a concrete storyline, he struggles to articulate his vision clearly and effectively market the program to viewers.
Things begin to come together during soundcheck when Garrett Morris (played by Lamorne Morris) unexpectedly performs a provocative parody song, proclaiming, “I’m gonna get me a shotgun and kill all the whities I see.”Simultaneously, Andy Kaufman’s side-splitting Mighty Mouse skit elicits uncontrollable laughter from both the live audience and NBC executives.
These spontaneous moments ultimately persuade Tebet to greenlight the series just before it is set to air.
In reality, however, the parody wasn’t performed during the soundcheck or the first broadcast. Director Reitman drew this event from a moment in season 1, episode 11, where Garrett Morris performed the song live.
Plot Overview and Cast
In Saturday Night, Lorne Michaels, played by Gabriel LaBelle, faces mounting pressure during the 90 minutes leading to the live due. His innovative concepts come under scrutiny by his superior, Dick Ebersol (Cooper Hoffman), and NBC executive David Tebet (Willem Dafoe).
Simultaneously, he must contend with the explosive tempers of actors and comedians, including Jim Henson (Nicholas Braun), George Carlin (Matthew Rhys), Chevy Chase (Cory Michael Smith), and Paul Shaffer (Paul Rust). Adding to the complexity is the exceptionally talented John Belushi (Matt Wood), who hesitates to formally commit.
Nevertheless, everyone manages to align their efforts just in time, resulting in a successful premiere episode airing live.
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