The film Saturday Night offers a unique take on the history of Saturday Night Live, which marks its 50th season this year. Instead of chronicling the show’s evolution, it focuses on the chaotic night before its inaugural episode aired on October 11, 1975.
Directed by Jason Reitman and co-written with Gil Kenan, the movie serves as a frenetic comedy that highlights the turmoil and behind-the-scenes antics of the cast and crew during that pivotal evening. However, one significant oversight is the film’s treatment of comedy icon Gilda Radner.
Radner was a trailblazer on Saturday Night Live, known for her unforgettable characters like Roseanne Roseannadanna, Lisa Loopner, and Emily Litella, alongside her spot-on impersonations of celebrities such as Lucille Ball and Patti Smith. She earned an Emmy in 1978 for her contributions, and when Rolling Stone ranked every cast member in the show’s history, she earned a commendable ninth place for her groundbreaking portrayal of the “brainy city girl with a bundle of neuroses.” Despite this, Saturday Night hardly depicts her influence on the show.
In Saturday Night, Radner is relegated to a background role, leaving little opportunity for the audience to appreciate her significance. The film neglects to share her life story or talents, and her feelings on the night before the show’s debut remain largely unexplored. This oversight does not fall on actress Ella Hunt, who effectively embodies Radner’s charm; rather, it is the script’s failure to recognize Radner’s importance that is to blame.
Her name is only mentioned a few times, making it easy for viewers unfamiliar with Saturday Night Live history to overlook her role in the cast. Notably, scenes dedicated to the construction of the show’s set reportedly take up more screen time than Radner does.
You might argue that the focus of the film is on the unique events leading to the creation of Saturday Night Live, not specifically the cast. Yet, every original male cast member receives significant character development. Chevy Chase, Garrett Morris, Dan Aykroyd, and John Belushi all have substantial storylines, as do figures like Jim Henson and first-host George Carlin. In contrast, Radner’s contributions feel fleeting.
This issue extends to the other women associated with Saturday Night Live, with fellow cast members Jane Curtin and Laraine Newman receiving minimal attention as well. The character with the most screen time is Rosie Shuster, a writer and Lorne Michaels’ wife, but even her storyline revolves primarily around whether she will use her husband’s last name in the credits.
The lack of focus on the female cast members, particularly Radner, is disheartening. Radner is considered one of the most significant women in comedy history. Tina Fey once compared her influence to that of Michelle Obama, praising Radner for her authenticity and relatability. Fey also acknowledged Radner as a source of inspiration for herself and other comedic talents like Rachel Dratch, Maya Rudolph, and Amy Poehler. It is heartbreaking that Saturday Night fails to acknowledge Radner’s lasting legacy, relegating her to the background of her own story.