The film Saturday Night has ignited varying opinions among the original cast members featured within it. This movie dives into the behind-the-scenes experiences of the iconic sketch show Saturday Night Live (SNL), which has been entertaining audiences on American cable since its inception in 1975. The journey to establish such a groundbreaking live comedy was challenging, as illustrated in the film.
Saturday Night takes viewers back to the show’s early days, presenting a vivid portrayal of the exhilarating pressure and enthusiasm that surrounded the individuals who dedicated themselves to bringing this unprecedented program to life. Lorne Michaels, the show’s creator, serves as the central character of the movie, navigating the tumultuous environment leading up to their debut. Despite its comedic undertones, the film has proven divisive among the original cast members present on that historic opening night.
Although many of the original 1975 cast members remain, notable figures such as Gilda Radner, played by Ella Hunt, and John Belushi, portrayed by Matt Wood, tragically passed away in 1989 and 1982, respectively. Conversely, Jane Curtin, represented by Kim Matula, has maintained a more reserved stance regarding her views on Saturday Night.
Laraine Newman Describes Saturday Night as a “Love Letter”to SNL
Emily Fairne Portrays Laraine Newman
Laraine Newman, one of the original cast members, has shared her excitement about Saturday Night, describing it as a heartfelt tribute to SNL. While she acknowledges that the film takes creative liberties, embellishing various events, she believes it successfully captures the essence of that pivotal evening and the complexities involved in making the show relatable and exciting for audiences. Newman also engaged in extensive discussions with the film’s director, Jason Reitman, and writing partner to accurately portray the project’s essence on-screen.
The movie is definitely a love letter. It was written with such love by Jason Reitman and his writing partner, Gil Kenan. During the pandemic, they did some Zoom calls with me. We talked for a long time. The actual movie, the story that’s being told, is kind of a lot of fiction, but it captures the spirit of the show—the “by the seat of your pants”energy going on, and also the idea that we didn’t know if anybody was watching, and we couldn’t believe the material we were able to get on the air.
Newman’s perspective offers a brighter outlook on the film compared to some other original cast members, who hold differing opinions regarding the project’s representation.
Chevy Chase Critiques Jason Reitman, Claims He “Should Be Embarrassed”
Cory Michael Smith Takes on the Role of Chevy Chase
Known for his controversial history on SNL, Chevy Chase has a polarizing legacy, and his portrayal in Saturday Night reflects this complexity. Cory Michael Smith adeptly captures Chase’s character, showcasing both his comedic talents and underlying ego’s role in contributing to on-set tensions. Chase’s blunt assessment following a viewing of the film with Reitman was not one of approval; he suggested the director should be “embarrassed”by the work.
Instead of highlighting the film’s humor and creativity, Chase’s reaction underscores the dissatisfaction shaped by his character—often depicted as sharp, rude, and egotistical. Despite this, the film attempts to present some redeeming qualities in Chase’s character, striving to illustrate a more nuanced version of the rising star.
Dan Aykroyd Commends Saturday Night for Its Authenticity
Dylan O’Brien Embodies Dan Aykroyd
Dan Aykroyd, a legendary figure from the SNL cast, expressed a favorable opinion of Saturday Night, highlighting its accuracy. Aykroyd’s post-viewing sentiments reflect a more nostalgic view of his time on the show than those expressed by contemporaries like Chevy Chase. His enthusiastic review praised the film’s strengths and acknowledged its alignment with his experiences, despite contrasting with Newman’s observations.
Cracking a Head to applaud Jason Reitman’s triumphant SNL film. Wow! What a propulsive, engaging, funny, beautifully cast and acted, suspenseful, adventurous, music-filled ride. A perfect window into the creative process at its highest level. Pretty accurate too. I was there… — Dan Aykroyd (@dan_aykroyd) October 11, 2024
Aykroyd’s specific points of accuracy regarding scenes or characters are unclear, but one could speculate he recognized elements of himself in the portrayal by Dylan O’Brien. O’Brien skillfully embodies Aykroyd’s charm while also adding depth to his character’s dynamics on set.
Garrett Morris Describes Watching Saturday Night as “Very Cathartic”
Lamorne Morris Plays Garrett Morris
As the first and only Black cast member of SNL, Garrett Morris has also reflected on his experiences with Saturday Night. His discussions with Lamorne Morris, the actor portraying him, helped illuminate the shared challenges they faced in their careers. Lamorne’s observations echo Garrett’s own experiences of feeling out of place, highlighting the film’s poignant portrayal of these dynamics.
Garrett’s background, different from the rest of the cast and rooted in music, adds another layer to the film. He demonstrated significant talent and professionalism, proving his place within SNL. Reflecting on the film, he expressed that it was “a very cathartic experience, ”as it allowed him to revisit the past with a sense of mature reflection and understanding. While reactions varied among the original cast members, it is clear that Saturday Night resonated on many levels.
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