Reel Corner - November 2024

November 2024 Issue
Reel Corner by Donne Paine

Celebrating 50 Years of Saturday Night Live:
A Legacy of Laughter and Music

This year marks a monumental milestone in television history: the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live (SNL). For many, including The Reel Corner, the show has been a cherished staple of Saturday nights, a window into the world of live sketch comedy that has introduced us to unforgettable characters, iconic catchphrases, and a diverse array of musical talent.

I still vividly remember the first episode of SNL I watched. The thrill of seeing live sketch comedy unfold right before my eyes was the comic relief needed after a full week of life and work. It was a unique experience that kept me coming back week after week, and year after year. Creator Lorne Michaels has an extraordinary talent for spotting young comedians, many of whom have gone on to become mega stars and household names. In addition, there have been 12 movies based on original SNL sketches.

One of the cool aspects of SNL has always been its musical guests. Each week, we are treated to performances by emerging artists, established bands, and legendary singers. This exposure to new and established musical talent has enriched my appreciation for various genres and artists, making SNL not just a comedy show but also a cultural touchstone. What a treat to see a live performances by Neil Young, Taylor Swift, Prince, David Bowie, Beyonce, and many more.

The developed comedic characters who have graced the SNL stage are nothing short of legendary. Who could forget the Blues Brothers, the lovable duo of Jake and Elwood, or the outrageous antics of Wayne’s World, The Church Lady, played by the brilliant Dana Carvey, and the hilariously motivational Matt Foley, portrayed by Chris Farley? They have become ingrained in pop culture. And let us not overlook Eddie Murphy’s unforgettable clever parody of Mr. Robinson. Catchphrases from the show have become part of our everyday vernacular, as well, with lines like “We’re two wild and crazy guys!” and “More cowbell!”

A cornerstone of SNL has been its “Weekend Update” segment, a satirical take on current events that has introduced us to memorable guest characters like Father Guido Sarducci and the Opera Man, Kate McKinnon’s Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Bill Hader as New York City nightlife correspondent, Stefon, and most recently just about anything Bowen Yang portrays. The segment has not only provided laughs, but also a unique lens through which to view the news.

Political seasons have always provided rich material for SNL, with cast members donning the personas of candidates and public figures. Tina Fey’s portrayal of Sarah Palin and Maya Rudolph’s take on Kamala Harris are just a couple of examples of how the show has intertwined comedy with political commentary. The ability to spoof celebrities and current events has kept SNL relevant and engaging for audiences across generations.

So here’s to Saturday Night Live—a show that has brought joy, laughter, and music into our lives for half a century.

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Saturday Night
2024 | Directed by Jason Reitman

Jon Batiste, Gabriel LaBelle, Rachel Sennott, Cory Michael Smith, Ella Hunt, Dylan O’Brien, Emily Fairn, Matt Wood, Lamorne Morris, Kim Matula

Instead of a film tracking the history of SNL, this movie is a crazed behind-the-scenes comedy chronicling the night before the first episode aired. It is a whirlwind depicting the chaos, cast drama, and production issues on a night where anything you could imagine going wrong does.

Remembering the early SNL days, I felt the women cast as Gilda Radner, Laraine Newman and Jane Curtin were wildly underserved compared to those portraying John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, and Chevy Chase, but Jon Batiste playing Billy Preston got it right.

If you are a SNL fan, you probably will come away after seeing this film wondering how Michaels ever got the show on the air, but be really glad he did.

Sources: References: AARP magazine August/September 2024 edition, www.nypost.com, www.yahoo.com

Donne Paine, film enthusiast, once lived around the corner from the Orson Wells Theater in Cambridge, Massachu-setts, where her strong interest in films, especially independent ones, began. Supporter of the arts, especially films, she has traveled to local and national film festivals including Sundance, Toronto and Tribeca. There is nothing like seeing a film on the big screen. She encourages film goers to support Hilton Head local theaters, Park Plaza Theater and Northridge. To support her habit of frequent movie going, Donne is a vaccine medicine nurse consultant and also the author of 4 Interview Pillars available on Amazon. See you at the movies!