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Jason Reitman's 'Saturday Night' Explores Chaotic Birth of SNL

The film delves into the high-stakes 90 minutes before the iconic show's first episode, capturing the tumultuous spirit of its inception.

  • The movie 'Saturday Night' by Jason Reitman focuses on the 90 minutes leading up to the premiere of 'Saturday Night Live' in 1975.
  • Gabrielle Labelle portrays Lorne Michaels, capturing his struggle to manage egos, network pressures, and last-minute chaos.
  • The film features a mix of true-to-life and exaggerated portrayals of SNL's original cast, including John Belushi, Chevy Chase, and Gilda Radner.
  • Critics note the movie's homage to SNL's anarchic spirit but point out its tendency to flatter its subjects rather than critically examine them.
  • Reitman's direction uses dynamic camera work to mirror the frenetic energy and unpredictability of the show's early days.
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