The unforgettable clash in “Saturday Night”
A comedic clash of titans
When two eras of comedy collide, the result is nothing short of explosive. This premise anchors Jason Reitman’s “Saturday Night,” a biographical comedy-drama that captures the tension-filled moments before the 1975 debut of “Saturday Night Live.” The movie dramatizes the encounter between the legendary, yet aging comedian Milton Berle and the brash newcomer Chevy Chase.
A careful casting choice
Portraying these iconic figures are J.K. Simmons and Cory Michael Smith. Simmons, who steps into the shoes of Berle — often dubbed Mr. Television — initially felt daunted by the task. Reitman assured him they weren’t seeking a mimic but rather someone who could capture the essence of Berle’s larger-than-life persona. As Simmons recalls, “They wanted me to get the flavor of the guy.”
Simmons’ approach to the script
Despite not seeing the script beforehand, Simmons accepted the role knowing it involved a few pivotal scenes. Striking a balance between gravitas and humor, Simmons vividly describes the film’s energy: “It’s like a snowball rolling downhill, with people either jumping on or getting out of the way.” He expertly navigates Berle’s presence, embodying the figurehead of a bygone era that young, counterculture comedians sought to rebel against.
The friction that fueled the narrative
One highlight of the film is a particularly memorable scene involving a flirtation gone awry and a macho showdown. Chevy Chase, played by Smith, catches a flirtatious Berle with Chase’s fiancé, igniting a fiery exchange. This sequence captures the essence of their rivalry: a testament to Chase’s youthful arrogance and Berle’s desperate clinging to former glory.
A notorious reputation
Milton Berle, infamous for his difficult personality and legendary appendage, brings a complex, darkly humorous dimension to the narrative. Eyewitnesses have long corroborated tales of Berle’s penchant for boasting and flashing his infamous asset, adding another layer of authenticity and comedy to the film.
The on-set dynamics
Simmons and Smith transformed this historical rivalry into an engaging cinematic moment, with Simmons noting, “Jason directed us through subtly and sometimes not-so-subtly different versions of the scene.” This meticulous approach ensured that the ever-so-slight variations in performance only enhanced the final cut.
An essential scene: Berle vs. Chase
The resulting scene is both icy and snarky, transforming a simple altercation into a masterclass of comedic timing and bravado. Simultaneously maintaining tension and humor, this scene crystallizes the idea that both men, despite any underlying respect, were unwilling to show vulnerability.
Examining the darker side of comedy
Researching Berle’s life showed Simmons the shadows that often linger behind comedic personas. Childhood hardships colored Berle’s later behavior, making him a figure of both ire and sympathy. Cory Michael Smith, however, came into the role without preconceived notions about Berle’s infamous personality, finding the revelations about his co-star’s character both fascinating and shocking.
A prosthetic mishap
The culmination of meticulous planning came to an unexpected, hilarious head when a prosthetic malfunctioned. J.K. Simmons donned a silicone appendage for authenticity, but during one scene, it detached unexpectedly, hitting the floor with a slap. This unplanned comedy gold only added to the realism and humor captured on film. Simmons humorously remarks about the surreal experience, noting, “I didn’t even think there would be a prosthetic involved until Jason mentioned it.”
Final touches and visual effects
Interestingly, visual effects were used sparingly in “Saturday Night.” Reitman reveals that post-production tweaks were limited to aligning clock times in the background and ensuring the prosthetic matched skin tones — details that underscore the film’s dedication to authenticity.
For those yet to experience this cinematic gem, “Saturday Night” offers an insight into a defining moment in comedic history. Its rich character portrayals and offbeat humor promise an unforgettable ride from start to finish.
Catch the trailer and immerse yourself in this delightful chaos here.
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