Star Rating: 3.5/5
Cast: Gabriel LaBelle, Rachel Sennott, Cory Michael Smith, Dylan O’Brien, Matt Wood
Director: Jason Reitman
Runtime: 109 Minutes
Streaming On: BookMyShow Stream

What’s It About?

Jason Reitman’s Saturday Night Review takes viewers into the frenzied 90 minutes before the debut of NBC’s iconic Saturday Night Live in 1975. The film offers a real-time, single-shot look into the chaos, creativity, and egos that shaped live television’s early days. Gabriel LaBelle stars as Lorne Michaels, the mastermind juggling comedic brilliance and backstage pandemonium, while a stellar ensemble cast recreates the volatile beginnings of an entertainment revolution.

What Works?

• The single-shot narrative captures the raw energy and anxiety of live television.
• Gabriel LaBelle delivers a compelling performance as Michaels, balancing ambition and chaos.
• Dylan O’Brien’s Dan Aykroyd and Matt Wood’s John Belushi bring authenticity and humor.
• Jon Batiste’s live jazz score heightens the film’s chaotic rhythm and atmosphere.

What Doesn’t Work?

• Female characters like Gilda Radner (Ella Hunt) and Jane Curtin (Kim Matula) are sidelined, missing opportunities to explore their pivotal roles in SNL’s success.
• The film occasionally glamorizes chaos as a masculine endeavor, undercutting its inclusivity.
• The pacing can feel overwhelming, bordering on exhausting.

Star Performances:

• Gabriel LaBelle: Outstanding as Lorne Michaels, capturing both his visionary genius and vulnerabilities.
• Rachel Sennott: Sharp as Rosie Shuster, grounding the narrative with wit and pragmatism.
• Dylan O’Brien & Matt Wood: Brilliant portrayals of Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, respectively, adding depth to their iconic personas.

Fashion in Saturday Night

The fashion in Saturday Night perfectly encapsulates the retro 1970s era, blending vibrant colors and bold patterns with tailored silhouettes. Lorne Michaels’ understated suits and turtlenecks reflect his introspective personality, standing in contrast to the chaos around him. Rosie Shuster’s smart casual outfits, like tailored trousers and statement blouses, underscore her pragmatic and grounded demeanor. Dan Aykroyd and Chevy Chase embrace flamboyant ’70s styles, sporting wide-collared shirts, patterned blazers, and bell-bottoms, with Chevy leaning into flashier looks. John Belushi’s grunge-inspired flannel shirts and vintage tees highlight his relatable, comedic energy, while Gilda Radner’s bohemian prints and flowy skirts lend a charismatic and effortlessly chic vibe. The wardrobe becomes an extension of the characters, seamlessly blending with the era’s aesthetic to bring the eccentric world of Saturday Night to life.

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Final Verdict:

Saturday Night is a chaotic love letter to the birth of live television and the comedic brilliance behind SNL. While it falters in representation and pacing, the film’s energy, performances, and score make it a fitting tribute to a cultural milestone. A must-watch for fans of SNL and those intrigued by the alchemy of creativity and chaos.