The release of Saturday Night, a biopic centered around the frantic hours leading up to the first broadcast of Saturday Night Live in 1975, has garnered immense praise from none other than Dan Aykroyd, one of the show’s original cast members. The comedy legend took to social media to applaud director Jason Reitman’s work, calling the film a “stand-alone masterpiece.” In his review, Aykroyd expressed that the movie offers a fresh look into the creative chaos behind one of the most iconic nights in television history.
The film’s depiction of the high-stakes moments before SNL’s first show has been described as energetic, suspenseful, and packed with humor. Aykroyd, who was there on that momentous night, commented on the film’s accuracy, noting that Saturday Night captured the spirit of the show’s early days while also being highly engaging for viewers. He enthusiastically recommended the movie, regardless of whether the audience is familiar with the history of SNL.
Dylan O’Brien, best known for his roles in The Maze Runner and Teen Wolf, steps into the role of young Dan Aykroyd. The casting of O’Brien, who initially hesitated to audition, turned out to be a pivotal decision for the filmmakers. Director Jason Reitman and co-writer Gil Kenan revealed that Aykroyd’s role was one of the most difficult to cast, as his unique blend of humor, intelligence, and charisma made it challenging to find the right actor. Despite these challenges, O’Brien’s portrayal has been widely praised, and even Aykroyd himself expressed his approval of the performance.
The film’s storyline unfolds on the evening of October 11, 1975, just before Saturday Night Live made its debut. It dives deep into the lives and creative minds of the comedians and writers who forever altered the landscape of television. Alongside O’Brien’s portrayal of Aykroyd, the film features performances by Gabriel LaBelle as SNL creator Lorne Michaels, Ella Hunt as Gilda Radner, and Lamorne Morris as Garrett Morris, among others. Each actor brings a unique flair to their roles, offering a compelling look at the people who shaped the show.
Saturday Night is not only a tribute to the comedy pioneers of SNL, but also a reflection of the collaborative energy that made the show such a success. The filmmakers aimed to capture the creative spirit of that time, and the response from SNL alumni has been overwhelmingly positive. Many original cast members, including Chevy Chase and Laraine Newman, have praised the film’s authenticity and heart.
For Aykroyd, the film is a nostalgic reminder of his early days on the groundbreaking show. He has not been shy in expressing his excitement, calling the movie an essential watch and a surefire contender for major awards. Saturday Night offers an insider’s perspective into the world of comedy and how a small group of young comedians changed television history in just 90 minutes.
Whether you’re an SNL aficionado or someone who simply enjoys behind-the-scenes stories, Saturday Night promises to deliver an exhilarating and emotional look into the creation of one of TV’s most enduring institutions. The film is now playing in theaters and is receiving strong praise from both critics and viewers alike.
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