tech
The 'SNL' Sketch That Broke All the Rules
Last night, the show made the host, Ryan Gosling, break character—on purpose.
TL;DR
- The SNL sketch 'Passing Notes' involved actors reacting genuinely to pre-written notes, a concept that relied on 'breaking character'.
- This intentional breaking of character contrasts with SNL's early days, when Lorne Michaels and writers aimed for a more committed and realistic comedic style.
- Host Ryan Gosling, known for his enthusiastic hosting, played a role in creating a playful atmosphere conducive to such sketches.
- The success of 'Passing Notes' suggests that a cast's genuine enjoyment can be a valuable comedic element, despite historical precedents.
- While breaking character can become tiresome if overused, this specific sketch strategically employed it, leading to a successful highlight of the episode.