Director Jason Reitman’s new movie about the origins of Saturday Night Live premiered at the Telluride Film Festival to mostly favorable reactions. The movie, titled Saturday Night, focuses on the chaotic onset of the first episode in 1975. It shows the 90 minutes leading up to the premiere broadcast.
The film had a big crowd for its first screening, with around 300 people reportedly turned away due to limited space. Critics enjoyed Reitman’s direction and the acting performances. Gabriel LaBelle earned praise for his portrayal of Lorne Michaels, creator of SNL. Variety called his acting “electric” and noted his energy. The Hollywood Reporter said the 21-year-old actor handled the role of befuddlement well.
Other standouts included Lamorne Morris as Garrett Morris and Tommy Dewey as Michael O’Donoghue. However, some felt the roles of women like Gilda Radner and Jane Curtin had less development. The Reporter said these cast members got “short shrift.”
Viewers found the pacing exciting as it effectively built tension before the first episode aired. Deadline said the film had “such a marvel of zany manic non-stop energy.” New York Magazine added it feels “spiritually true” despite possibly lacking factual accuracy.
Mixed opinions existed too. IndieWire said the movie sometimes relies too heavily on insider knowledge and feels “tedious.” Rolling Stone suggested it acts more as a showcase of SNL than a story.
Most reception has been positive though. It currently holds an 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Variety predicted potential Oscar nominations for Best Picture or ensemble acting honors.
As it opens nationwide on October 11, Saturday Night seems successful in capturing the beginnings of SNL’s energy and chaos in a way that will entertain both diehard fans and newcomers, even if some find it too focused on nostalgia.
