Chevy Chase's Honest Review of Saturday Night Film

Director Jason Reitman recently revealed a humorous yet blunt critique from legendary comedian Chevy Chase regarding the film Saturday Night, which chronicles the chaotic moments leading up to the inaugural broadcast of Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 1975. This candid moment occurred during an episode of the Fly on the Wall podcast, where Reitman shared Chase's surprising feedback with hosts Dana Carvey and David Spade.

The Unexpected Feedback

During a special screening of Saturday Night, Chase attended with his wife Jayni. Post-viewing, he approached Reitman with an unfiltered remark: “Well, you should be embarrassed.” This comment, while startling, aligned perfectly with Chase’s well-known penchant for honesty, even at the cost of tact.

Reitman recounted this unexpected reaction, noting, “I’m trying to balance it, because in my head, I know, alright, I’m getting my own Chevy Chase moment that is 1,000 percent only for me right now.” Despite the sting of Chase's words, Reitman acknowledged that such a quip was “pure comedy” and “kind of cool.”

The Humor in Critique

Both Spade and Carvey quickly recognized the humor in Chase's critiques, with Spade stating, “You couldn’t even write it better.” Chase’s reputation as a tough critic is well documented, and it was no surprise for Spade and Carvey who still found the humor in his harsh appraisal of the film.

Carvey noted that Chase likely intended his remark as a joke, stating, “He knows that’s funny, like that’s the roughest thing you could say to a director in the moment, or right up there.” This blend of humor and sincerity is a hallmark of Chase's personality and aligns with the spirit of camaraderie often found within the SNL cast.

The Making of Saturday Night

Saturday Night features a cast portraying key SNL figures from its early years, including Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase, Gabriel LaBelle as Lorne Michaels, and Kaia Gerber as Jacqueline Carlin. Reitman aimed to encapsulate the essence of these characters while bringing out a more human and relatable side to the legendary personalities.

For Reitman, crafting the narrative involved significant effort, with nearly two years spent recreating the moments leading to SNL’s first broadcast on October 11, 1975. Despite the extensive preparation, Chase’s critique served as a reminder of the unpredictability that often comes with artistic expression.

Reception and Future Prospects

Saturday Night premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in August 2024 and had its theatrical release on the date marking SNL's 49th anniversary. Although the film received a generally positive response from critics, it faced challenges at the box office, only grossing $9.8 million against its $30 million budget.

Despite Chase's unflattering remarks, the film has resonated with fans and critics who appreciate the nostalgic tribute to SNL's history. As of now, fans eagerly anticipate its release on streaming services, although no announcements have been made regarding availability. Meanwhile, newer episodes of Saturday Night Live continue to stream on Peacock.

Conclusion

Reitman's encounter with Chase provides a fascinating glimpse into the complex dynamics of creative collaboration and the candid relationships among SNL alumni. While Chase's comment might appear harsh at first glance, it underscores a long-standing tradition of humor coupled with honesty that defines the show and its legacy. As Saturday Night moves forward, the spirit of both comedic brilliance and critical reflection will undoubtedly continue to spark conversations both on and off-screen.