Morgan Neville's Puckish Lorne Michaels Doc

Key Points:

• The documentary "Lorne," directed by Morgan Neville, offers a fresh and intimate perspective on Lorne Michaels, the legendary creator and producer of "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), revealing his personality, rituals, and the show's inner workings from his point of view.
• The film highlights Michaels' iconic status in showbiz, his enigmatic nature, and his evolution from a jovial young comedian to the stoic, powerful figure who meticulously orchestrates SNL's production, including his famous rituals like the Monday meetings and Tuesday dinners.
• It explores Michaels' tumultuous journey with SNL, including his heartbreak over early cast departures, his five-year absence during which he struggled professionally, and his eventual triumphant return that revitalized the show with a new generation of talent.
• The documentary also underscores Michaels' conservative creative approach, particularly his reliance on audience reactions during dress rehearsals to cut sketches, which may limit the show's risk-taking but ensures its ongoing success and longevity.
• At 81, Michaels remains deeply involved in SNL, maintaining its traditions and adapting it to stay relevant, with no clear successor in sight despite speculation about figures like Tina Fey.