Chalamet on SNL: A Decent Showing – But Could He Have Done Better?
Okay, so Timothée Chalamet hosted SNL. Big deal, right? Well, for me, it was a big deal. I'm a HUGE fan. I mean, Call Me By Your Name? Come on. So, naturally, I was glued to the screen, snacks at the ready, expecting pure comedic gold. Did I get it? Kinda. Let's unpack this, shall we?
The Good, the Bad, and the "Okay-ish"
First off, let's give credit where credit's due. Chalamet's opening monologue was pretty charming. He's got that whole awkward-charming thing down pat, you know? The self-deprecating humor worked really well. I particularly enjoyed his bit about being mistaken for other young actors — that's relatable, even if my life doesn't involve being a mega-famous Hollywood star. It felt genuine. He wasn't trying too hard. That's a win in my book.
However, some of the sketches... eh. There were a few that fell completely flat. I'm not going to name names, because I don't want to be too harsh (plus, I can't remember them all that clearly, lol). Some felt forced, like the writers were trying too hard to make him funny, and it backfired. It's a delicate balance, isn't it? Finding the right comedic timing is key.
He wasn't terrible, mind you. But a few sketches left me wanting more. I felt like they could've leaned into his strengths better. They should've used him more for his dry wit and charm rather than trying to force him into slapstick roles where he didn't shine. The writing definitely let him down in a few spots.
What Went Wrong (and How to Fix It)
One of the biggest problems? The sketches didn't highlight his unique talents. Timothée is known for his dramatic roles, his intense gaze, his vibe. SNL didn't really tap into that. Instead of playing to his strengths, they tried to make him something he's not: a full-blown comedic actor.
It's like trying to force a square peg into a round hole. You know it's not gonna work well. It's a common mistake that many hosts make.
My tip for future SNL hosts: Work with your strengths, people! Use the pre-show interviews to gauge the host's comedic comfort level. And if you're bringing in a serious, dramatic actor, maybe dial back the slapstick?
A Few Brighter Spots
It wasn't all doom and gloom, though. There were definitely some high points. His musical guest appearance with the musical group was great. I mean, who knew he could sing? This was a definite highlight and proved that he can do much more than just act. That’s something the producers could’ve capitalized on more. Variety is the spice of life, right?
And let's be honest, the man is gorgeous. Even when he was doing a sketch that wasn't working, I found myself captivated by his intensity and focus. Maybe that's just me, but I'm sure I'm not alone. The camera loved him. That's an advantage few hosts possess.
Overall? A Solid 7/10
So, was Chalamet's SNL hosting gig a resounding success? Not exactly. Was it a complete flop? Absolutely not. It was a decent showing, a solid 7 out of 10 in my book. There were moments of brilliance, moments that made me chuckle, and moments that made me want to reach for the remote. The experience taught me a lot about the challenges of balancing an actor's strengths with a show's format. And that’s something I will appreciate forever.
Ultimately, it highlighted the importance of understanding what makes someone tick before trying to mold them into something they're not. It was an experience, a learning opportunity, and a good reminder that even the best performers can have an off night. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go rewatch Call Me By Your Name. Again.