Cast
View All
Phil Hartman
as Self / Various Characters
Tom Arnold
as Kevin O'Brien
Alec Baldwin
as Mr. Cherrywood
Corbin Bernsen
as Celebrity Lawyer
Nancy Carell
as Jane
Dana Carvey
as Self / H. Ross Perot / Various Characters
Ellen Cleghorne
as Shakira's Mom
Danny DeVito
as Al Goldstein
Nora Dunn
as Self / Various Characters
Will Ferrell
as Troy
Will Ferrell
as Self / Nancy Reagan / Various Characters
Melanie Hutsell
as Cashier
Victoria Jackson
as Self / Various Characters
Chris Kattan
as Brian
Jon Lovitz
as Self / Various Characters
Crew
Director
- Tom Schiller
- James Signorelli
- Beth McCarthy-Miller
- Dave Wilson
Writer
- Robert Smigel
- Greg Daniels
- Steve Koren
- Bob Odenkirk
- Terry Turner
- Christine Zander
- Andy Breckman
- James Downey
- Al Franken
- Phil Hartman
- Conan O'Brien
- Bonnie Turner
- Jack Handey
- David Mandel
- Rosie Shuster
- George Meyer
Producer
- Ken Aymong
- Stacey Foster
- Audrey Peart Dickman
- James Downey
- Neal Marshad
- Michael Shoemaker
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Saturday Night Live: The Best of Phil Hartman represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Tom Schiller brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1998, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Saturday Night Live: The Best of Phil Hartman took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 84 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 104 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1998, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Saturday Night Live: The Best of Phil Hartman shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Ordinaries, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Saturday Night Live: The Best of Phil Hartman offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Caramel and Ich Chef du nix explore similar territory, Saturday Night Live: The Best of Phil Hartman stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 1, 1998
- Runtime: 1h 24m
