### "Saturday Night" Film Recreates the Birth of a TV Legend

A new movie, "Saturday Night," has hit cinemas nationwide, offering a captivating window into the whirlwind moments leading up to the first-ever episode of NBC's "Saturday Night Live." Directed by Jason Reitman, known for his films like "Juno" and "Whiplash," the film dives into the frenzied 90 minutes preceding the iconic show's debut on October 11, 1975.

"Saturday Night" masterfully balances the needs of two distinct audiences: those who remember the original "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" and newer fans who may only vaguely know names like John Belushi, Gilda Radner, and Chevy Chase. To capture the essence of the era, Reitman meticulously recreated Studio 8H, allowing the cameras to navigate its hallways and control rooms in sweeping, immersive shots reminiscent of "Birdman" and "The West Wing."

The film's driving energy is amplified by a percussive score composed by Jon Batiste, who also appears on-screen as musical guest Billy Preston. His nightly recordings with his band add an urgent, electric pace to the unfolding drama. This atmosphere is heightened by the looming countdown to the 11:30 p.m. live broadcast, reminiscent of the tense countdown format seen in the series "24."

Key performances make "Saturday Night" particularly memorable. Gabriel LaBelle steps into the shoes of Lorne Michaels, the mastermind behind the show, while Willem Dafoe plays a skeptical NBC executive who nearly pulls the plug before airtime. Adding to the on-screen talent, Cooper Hoffman portrays Dick Ebersol, and Nicholas Braun shines as both Andy Kaufman and Jim Henson, proving his versatility.

The cast also includes Lamorne Morris as Garrett Morris, Naomi McPherson as Janis Ian, and an unrecognizable Matthew Rhys as George Carlin, the first episode's host. Each actor imbues their character with authenticity, making the chaos and creativity of that inaugural episode palpable.

David Bianculli, a professor of television studies at Rowan University, emphasizes that the casting is superb and that the film captures the hectic magic that defined the launch of "Saturday Night Live." As the show continues into its 50th season, "Saturday Night" serves as both a nostalgic tribute and a thrilling introduction to a piece of television history.