Behind the Curtain: The Untold Story of SNL’s Chaotic First Night
Behind the Curtain: The Untold Story of SNL’s Chaotic First Night
Imagine the pressure: 90 minutes until live television’s biggest gamble goes on air. That’s the nail-biting premise of “Saturday Night,” Jason Reitman’s electrifying new film chronicling the tumultuous birth of Saturday Night Live.
The movie plunges viewers into the frenetic energy of October 11, 1975, as creator Lorne Michaels (a captivating Gabriel LaBelle) battles a cascade of crises. Will John Belushi (Matt Wood) sign his contract? Will NBC exec David Tebet (Willem Dafoe) pull the plug for a Johnny Carson rerun? The clock ticks relentlessly as a star-studded cast – including a phenomenal Cory Michael Smith as a perfectly arrogant Chevy Chase – grapples with behind-the-scenes mayhem.
Director Reitman masterfully recreates the era’s chaotic atmosphere. Shot on Super 16mm, the film’s jittery camera work mirrors the show’s frantic preparations, capturing the raw nerves and burgeoning rivalries that fueled the show’s electric energy. Jon Batiste’s jazzy score amplifies the tension, creating a visceral experience for the audience.
Beyond the comedic chaos, “Saturday Night” delves into the personal struggles of Michaels, particularly his complex relationship with his wife, Rosie (Rachel Sennott). The film weaves together biographical details with the larger narrative, revealing the sheer force of will that brought this revolutionary show to life – born, ironically, from a contract dispute between NBC and Carson.
More than just a nostalgic tribute, “Saturday Night” offers a compelling glimpse into the creation of a cultural phenomenon. It’s a story of ambition, uncertainty, and the sheer audacity of throwing something at the wall and seeing if it sticks – something that, against all odds, stuck spectacularly. See it in theaters October 4th (select locations) and October 11th (wide release). Rated R.
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