Saturday Night: A Love Letter to SNL or a Factual Record?
The original cast of Saturday Night Live has been vocal about their thoughts on the new film Saturday Night, which tells the story of the show’s early days and the stress and excitement that came with it. However, opinions are divided, with some cast members praising the film as a “love letter” to the show, while others have criticized it.
Laraine Newman, who joined the show in its early years and worked on it for five seasons, has spoken highly of the film, calling it a “love letter” that captures the spirit of the show. She praised the director, Jason Reitman, and his writing partner, Gil Kenan, for their work on the film, which she believes effectively conveys the energy and uncertainty of the show’s early days.
On the other hand, Chevy Chase, a original cast member, was reportedly unimpressed with the film, telling director Jason Reitman that he should be “embarrassed” for his portrayal. Chase’s ego and diva behavior on set are well-documented, and the film’s portrayal of him as a demanding and difficult co-star has rubbed some cast members the wrong way.
Despite some cast members’ disappointment with the film, Newman remains optimistic, viewing it as a work of fiction that captures the essence of the show. She acknowledges that the movie takes some creative liberties, but believes it conveys the sense of uncertainty and unpredictability that characterized the show’s early days.
For some, Saturday Night is a love letter to the show, while for others, it is a factual record that gets it all wrong. Regardless, the film remains a testament to the enduring spirit of Saturday Night Live, which continues to push the boundaries of comedy and entertainment.