‘Saturday Night’ Review: Jason Reitman Chronicles the Lead-Up to the First ‘SNL’ Show in Alternately Fresh and Frustrating Fashion
Initially known as a “high-idea” film during the era when Saturday Night Live ruled television, this proposed movie focuses on the creation story of that groundbreaking late-night comedy series. Instead of chronicling the events over several weeks or months, it takes place within the 90 minutes leading to the premier episode in October 1975. The audience will experience the pressure faced by the show’s creators, observe the stars perfecting their skits alongside musicians rehearsing, and witness NBC executives worrying backstage. Known for his witty comedies such as Thank You For Smoking, Juno, and Up in the Air, director Jason Reitman, along with co-writer Gil Kenan, have piqued our curiosity about how they will breathe life into this fascinating concept.