As a seasoned gamer with a soft spot for movies and TV shows that delve into the behind-the-scenes drama of the entertainment industry, I must say that the story of Saturday Night is nothing short of captivating. The real-life events that transpired during its filming are as thrilling as any high-stakes video game I’ve ever played.
The 50th anniversary celebration of Saturday Night Live isn’t confined to the television realm alone; the 2024 movie schedule is also commemorating the event with the film titled Saturday Night. Penned and directed by Jason Reitman, this real-time drama offers a glimpse into the turmoil preceding the initial broadcast of NBC’s iconic sketch show.
During an astonishing stroke of fate, while filming a deeply emotional scene featuring actor Matt Wood as John Belushi, the production had to halt suddenly as Wood was rushed to the hospital. This unexpected event led director Judd Apatow to step in at the last minute and fill Wood’s role on camera. Interestingly, this unforeseen circumstance provided Ella Hunt, a cast member of Saturday Night, with an opportunity to work closely with one of her favorite directors, which undoubtedly improved her performance.
Why Saturday Night’s Ice Skating Scene Force Jason Reitman To Stand In For Matt Wood
During our weekend interviews, Sean O’Connell had the opportunity to chat with several cast members, including Ella Hunt – one of Wood’s co-stars in the specific scene. As Gilda Radner’s on-screen counterpart, Hunt was there to share insights about a captivating twist in capturing an emotionally touching moment during filming.
As for Jason Reitman taking on the role of a physical stand-in, the account is quite straightforward. Here’s how Ella Hunt shared that anecdote with TopMob in her own words:
On our initial shooting day, we captured that particular sequence at the Rockefeller Ice Rink. We started filming Matt on the ice initially. It’s a good thing we managed to grab much of the scene from his viewpoint before he tumbled. He indeed fell and hit his head. In response, we exclaimed, “We must keep filming!” Fortunately, he was taken to the hospital, and Jason stepped in wearing skates to finish the scene with me. The first night of shooting was quite an adventure!
If such an event happened during the regular production of any movie, it would make for an intriguing tale. However, Saturday Night is not like typical films because the tightly choreographed actions demanded extraordinary precision. In fact, rehearsals were conducted for every scene prior to the actual filming.
It’s almost as if fate was guiding them: encountering such a hurdle on the very first night suggests that this team was indeed creating the perfect movie. This situation mirrors how Saturday Night Live managed to produce a fantastic show out of thin air on their inaugural night, turning each mishap and stumble into an opportunity for success.
In certain discussions, I’m limited to discussing Matt Wood’s accident for two crucial reasons. Firstly, because I understand that the actor quickly received medical care and, to the best of my knowledge, did not sustain severe injuries from the mishap. Secondly, this unlucky fall was actually expected in this scene, as John Belushi’s attempt at a triple axel ended up going awry in a similar manner.
It’s particularly appropriate that Jason Reitman, having previously been a writer for SNL, was able to capture the spontaneous and unscripted feel of the first night in his film, given his familiarity with the fast-paced, improvisational style associated with both SNL and creating a movie based on its origins.
Additionally, it seems quite likely that securing permission for a nighttime shoot at Rockefeller Center’s Ice Rink was extremely rare and specific to this particular occasion. This adds an intriguing layer of pressure, given that the project was already in full swing with no room for delays.
As Jason Reitman donned his skates, he provided Ella Hunt with a suitable scene partner, skillfully playing out the scene flawlessly. The director’s swift decision-making resulted in one of my favorite scenes from Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and it also offered Hunt an exceptional opportunity that significantly improved her acting.
Why Ella Hunt Feels Her Saturday Night Switch Up Was ‘Uncanny’
To me, this Saturday Night scene stands out due to its memorable dialogue and the talented SNL actors who brought it to life. As Matt Wood’s portrayal of John Belushi skates around defiantly, Ella Hunt’s Gilda Radner queries him about cherishing a moment he’s experiencing right now.
Speaking as a devoted fan, witnessing the portrayal of two icons from the show, who were tragically taken away too soon, strikes a poignant chord for admirers of either Radner, Belushi or even Saturday Night Live in its entirety. However, on a brighter note, Ella Hunt shared with TopMob that those “remarkably similar” words had a delightful impact on her personally.
As a resident of New York, I found myself embodying the character of Gilda Radner, directed by one of my most revered filmmakers, during a scene where she expresses longing for a moment that’s unfolding simultaneously. It was an eerie, self-referential moment – like a dream within a dream. The emotions I felt mirrored those expressed by Gilda, and it was nothing short of incredible to have the opportunity to voice them. Strangely enough, I ended up speaking these words to Jason.
2024, what a rollercoaster ride it’s been for me as a gamer! Even if we’re just talking about our Saturday nights, it’s been quite the spectacle. For one, this year marked my debut in a major motion picture – a milestone I couldn’t be more thrilled about. On the other hand, Ella Hunt has been juggling her role in the Horizon: An American Saga cast, with this project nestled neatly between two installments. And let me tell you, being part of recreating a pivotal moment in American TV history is an accomplishment that makes me swell with pride.
Fans of Saturday Night Live, it’s time for more celebration! You can continue your joy with the vast collection of reruns available for streaming through a Peacock subscription. Of course, this library encompasses the exact episode that served as the basis for this movie, along with some delightful references to other beloved SNL moments.
Be sure not to miss “Saturday Night” playing now in cinemas, showcasing the Not Ready for Prime Time Players at their best. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to catch Jason Reitman’s ReelBlend interview, where he shared insights into the creation of “Saturday Night,” along with other intriguing stories from his filmmaking journey.
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2024-10-12 23:38