Saturday Night Live's legendary performer Chevy Chase has once again proven to have strong opinions recently after seeing director Jason Reitman's 2024 drama depicting the origin of SNL in the mid 1970s. This specific movie was created to tell a narrative about the intensity and unique circumstances around the original SNL broadcast event that aired in 1975. Chevy Chase one of SNL's founding members gave his brutally honest feedback following a viewing that was described as uncomfortably forthright.
Jason Reitman Recounts Chevy Chase's Direct Commentary on 'Saturday Night' Film Project
Director Jason Reitman recently shared Chevy Chase’s reaction during a new episode of Fly on the Wall a podcast featuring SNL alums David Spade and Dana Carvey. Reitman states that Chevy loves stating the obvious or what people try to avoid as well as stating brutally honest statements in many cases. Reitman specifically shared how Chevy Chase commented with "Well you should be embarrassed" which shocked him and many listeners of this interview on Spade’s podcast. Reitman’s commentary on Chevy’s statement created considerable laughter among Spade and Carvey. Spade directly called the commentary “an exact Chevy thing” emphasizing the well known habit for such bold statements and opinions by Chevy Chase in various Hollywood social settings.
Commentary From SNL Alumni Highlighting Discomfort In Chevy's Rejection
Dana Carvey speculated Chevy's comment on Reitman’s movie came intentionally with a desire to make the director uncomfortable by expressing the roughest comment one could say directly to a film creator in the present moment after watching a film. Jason Reitman confirmed the reaction was so strong but that his intentions were mostly trying to maintain his stride as this feedback felt very personal. Reitman knew at the moment "I'm getting a Chevy Chase moment that's 1,000 percent only for me right now" but also the movie focused on Chevy’s person to accurately capture him and showcase the humanity behind his persona. Reitman expressed the comment felt dismissive to his efforts.
Cory Michael Smith Avoids Meeting Chevy Chase Focusing On Director Jason Reitman's Notes
Actor Cory Michael Smith who plays Chevy Chase relied solely on Reitman’s instructions instead of pursuing interaction with Chevy. Smith’s decision to follow Reitman’s lead shows a great faith and trust that allowed for a unique performance. Cory Michael Smith portrayed Chevy Chase one of SNL’s main breakouts from the debut season highlighting his early persona . Jason Reitman stated he had asked Cory Michael Smith before performing "How much insecurity are we going to see from Chevy?". He wanted to get perspective of body language in the way he walks along with his tendency to tell fabrications as his way to address Chevy’s approach in life.
Reactions of SNL Cast Members Are Mixed After the Film Screenings
Jason Reitman said he has done two movies about portraying real individuals citing that when this occurs initial reaction involves mostly the persons concerns on actor portrayals with how they look height wise or just their attraction level but after watching the films those real individuals often feel out of place. These real subjects in his films tend to feel disturbed with the way they are interpreted on screen by the actor due to seeing their persona through an external gaze instead of from their own views on self. Reitman confirmed there was never any formal input of Chevy's feelings about how the role was carried out in the movie. Reitman also mentioned reactions have varied. Billy Crystal Laraine Newman and Garrett Morris were very appreciative while another featured alum was absent for film views.
Dan Aykroyd Shares a Positive Review of the SNL Origin Story Film After Screening
Dan Aykroyd who was another original cast member from Saturday Night Live portrayed in the movie by actor Dylan O'Brien also voiced his opinions across his social platforms with very positive comments regarding Jason Reitman’s SNL production . Aykroyd said he applauds the movie along with how “propulsive” “engaging” “funny” “beautifully cast and acted” it was . Aykroyd called Reitman’s film a window into creativity at the highest potential with the entire production design being extremely memorable as he watched the screen adaptation of his former working days. Aykroyd mentioned the movie had elements of suspense adventure and beautiful musical numbers with the cast making his experience all the more gratifying during viewings.
Reitman's Commitment to Authenticity in SNL Movie With Focus On Real Personalities And Creative Dynamics
Jason Reitman has made movies previously involving real life personalities like his political drama from 2018 called The Front Runner allowing him to anticipate some of the difficulties portraying someone living. Reitman's movie showcases dynamics of personalities including egos within creative settings of original SNL with Chevy being center to all story threads . Reitman also addressed some SNL figures who offered genuine positive reactions when being featured in his film. These varying accounts paint different experiences and ways real life subjects understand portrayals when they are interpreted by external actors and producers.
Reitman has successfully crafted narratives around unique individuals with SNL origins being a prime case for both positive appreciation of art and equally valid personal and professional creative critiques. Reitman through his commentary has also shown that he remains a capable figure who manages critiques with open mind always considering both personal artistic intention and reception within public at large.