Saturday Night Live Celebrates 50 Years with New Film Streaming on Netflix
To mark the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live (SNL), a new comedy film titled Saturday Night is now streaming on Netflix. The film explores the show's origins and the challenges faced during its inception in 1975. It captures the stress and excitement experienced by the original cast and crew while bringing this innovative live sketch show to life.
Creator Lorne Michaels is depicted as the driving force behind the show, coordinating the chaos of opening night. The portrayal of the original cast, particularly Gilda Radner and John Belushi, who passed away in the late 1980s, adds a poignant touch to the narrative.
Laraine Newman, who was part of the original cast, praised the film as a "love letter" to SNL, despite its fictional embellishments. She acknowledged the filmmakers' efforts in capturing the essence and energy of that groundbreaking night.
However, not all responses were positive. Chevy Chase expressed his discontent, suggesting that director Jason Reitman "should be embarrassed" by the film's portrayal of his character. In contrast, Dan Aykroyd praised the film's accuracy and heartfelt depiction of the show's legacy.
Garrett Morris, the first Black cast member, described watching the film as a "very cathartic experience," reflecting on his unique contributions to the show. Each cast member's perspective varies, illustrating the complex legacy of SNL and its impact on comedy.
