Chevy Chase Criticizes Jason Reitman's 'Saturday Night': A Legendary Reunion With a Twist
Chevy ChaseChevy Chase, renowned for his iconic roles in American comedy classics such as 'Caddyshack' and 'National Lampoon’s Vacation', has always been known for his unfiltered honesty. Recently, he turned that candor toward Jason Reitman’s latest film, 'Saturday Night', a portrayal of the inception of the legendary sketch comedy show 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL).
During a recent screening of the film, which captures the exhilarating moments leading up to SNL's very first broadcast, Chase, one of the original stars who famously announced “Live from New York, it’s Saturday night,” expressed his dissatisfaction. According to Reitman, after the viewing, Chase bluntly remarked, "Well, you should be embarrassed." This statement, delivered with the same sharpness that characterized Chase’s comedic style, left the director taken aback.
Reitman described this encounter on the 'Fly on the Wall' podcast, hosted by SNL alumni David Spade and Dana Carvey. In recounting the incident, Reitman noted, “Chevy loves to say the thing you're not supposed to say — to the extreme.” His hosts laughed, acknowledging that the comment was quintessentially Chevy, a master of uncomfortable humor. Carvey suggested that Chase might have intentionally targeted Reitman’s sensitivities, knowing the impact such a statement would have.
Despite the sting of the words, Reitman maintained a humorous perspective on the interaction. "I'm trying to balance it because, in my head, I know, 'Alright, I'm getting my own Chevy Chase moment that's 1,000 percent only for me right now,'" Reitman reflected. He acknowledged the irony of having dedicated years to capturing the comedic essence and humanity of a man who then dismissed the effort with such biting candor.
While harsh criticism from Chase is not unprecedented, having a renowned figure personally involved in the story critique the film so bluntly rekindles the essence of what makes SNL a cultural cornerstone — its ability to confront, amuse, and inspire bold creative expressions.
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