Saturday Night Review: This Ode To Sketch Comedy Is A Flighty, Frenetic Rollercoaster Ride [TIFF 2024]

As a lifelong fan of Saturday Night Live, I have to say that “Saturday Night” is a wild, whirlwind ride that perfectly captures the chaotic energy and spirit of its namesake. Having grown up watching the original cast bring their unique brand of humor to millions every week, it’s fascinating to see the behind-the-scenes story unfold in real time as they prepare for their historic first episode.

In the realm of “Saturday Night Live,” from 11:30 PM to 1:00 AM, anything unexpectedly occurs, and often does. Although this legendary comedy show now seems inevitable, there was a moment when its first episode had an equal chance of flopping. The film “Saturday Night” focuses on the hours leading up to its premiere, with Lorne Michaels (portrayed by Gabriel LaBelle with unwavering dedication) finalizing preparations for the debut episode using scotch tape, paperclips, and wads of gum. This film is a bustling ensemble piece that mirrors the original “Saturday Night Live,” offering a glimpse into the emerging talents of character actors. Though the storyline might be slim, “Saturday Night” maintains an engaging pace as it chronicles the genesis of a comedy icon.

As the clock ticks down to the premiere of “Saturday Night Live,” Lorne Michaels finds himself both tantalizingly close and painfully distant from realizing his vision. He has a team brimming with youthful exuberance and raw talent, a squad of writers who are ahead of their time in terms of edgy humor, and near-unlimited creative freedom from NBC (as long as he avoids the censors). However, it’s also on the verge of falling apart – one disagreement between Chevy Chase (Cory Michael Smith) and John Belushi (Matt Wood), a disgruntled union worker storming off set, and “Saturday Night” could be stillborn. Lorne’s task is simple: Get them to 11:30 PM. Beyond that, it’s out of his control.

A murderers’ row of up-and-coming comic actors

The film titled “Saturday Night” maintains a brisk pace, keeping the action moving swiftly without giving any character a chance to overstay their welcome. It understands that the weakest sketches on Saturday Night Live are those that linger too long, and it follows suit. While some members of the large cast stand out more than others, they all form an exceptionally fitting ensemble of performers who transcend mere imitations of the original SNL crew. Dylan O’Brien embodies a relaxed Dan Aykroyd, while Cory Michael Smith portrays Chevy Chase with an annoying, yet indisputable charm. Matt Woods essentially taps into the spirit of the late John Belushi, and Lamorne Morris skillfully depicts the confusion of Juilliard-trained Garrett Morris when asked to work on this unconventional sketch comedy project.

Throughout the entire production, there are many different styles of comedy at play, the most effective of which is the understated “person with a good sense of humor talking rather than purposefully telling jokes.” Gabriel LaBelle is especially talented at this; there’s one moment where, after Nicholas Braun as Andy Kaufman does his famous lip-synch rendition of the Mighty Mouse theme song, he encourages him to save his voice with a note of quiet concern that is so understated it almost runs the risk of being overlooked. It’s this approach to comedy that helps “Saturday Night” from needing to rely too heavily on impressions, which could otherwise run the risk of getting old fairly early on in the proceedings. Like the drummer in a band, LaBelle might be overshadowed by the showier sketch comedy equivalents of the singer and lead guitarist, but he’s undeniably the timekeeper, the one whose line deliveries set the pace of the production.

A fun take on the behind-the-scenes narrative

Instead of depicting the typical “Saturday Night Live” origin story by showing Lorne Michaels pitching the show to NBC, hiring the cast, and the detailed production process leading up to its airdate, the filmmakers chose to focus on a more compact narrative that concentrates on the dramatic events unfolding during the final 90 minutes before the show’s premiere. This approach better captures the essence of “Saturday Night Live.

By packing so much backstory and the production hurdles of the first “SNL” episode within a short span of 1.5 hours, the movie captures the anarchic essence of the original series. Its fast-paced, seemingly improvised nature is not a flaw but a deliberate choice. Although “Saturday Night” may lack a complex plot when you review it later, as a whirlwind, unpredictable peek into the creation of a sketch comedy series that defied expectations by surviving for 50 years, this movie is exhilarating.

The film titled “Saturday Night” made its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival, set to be released in theaters on October 11.

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2024-09-23 07:59