Film No. 72. SATURDAY NIGHT (2024). 26th Oct.

 

Film No. 72  (2024)  October 26th.  6:30 PM  PALACE Raine Sq, Cinema 6, Perth City.

"Did anybody ask Edison what a lightbulb was before he harnessed electricity?" (Michaels retorts to the media pack after a question about what the audience could expect).

WINNER: Director Award (Jason Reitman) Savannah Film Festival. (2024).

Has Jason Reitman, in SATURDAY NIGHT, just made his best crafted film? Yes, I think so, but JUNO is still my favourite of his.

Reitman lives this showbiz nightmare; a fictional version of the very first airing of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, through its creator, Lorne Michaels (Gabriel LaBelle). A great move indeed. On October 11, 1975 NBC prepared to broadcast live a new comedy show, Saturday Night. For Lorne Michaels it's time for an out with the old, (Carson, Berle) and in with the new, entertainment idea. A Sketch show performed in front of a live audience, using the new wave of New York comedians. The film represents the 90 minutes of mayhem prior to LIGHTS UP! 

Reitman knew most of the real-life performers. They were family friends. He has it on good authority that most of what's depicted did happen. It's a tight, brilliantly written rendition. I loved his theory!  10GUMS.