Best-thing-today: Matt Damon playing Brett Kavanaugh on SNL is gold
What's the story
Earlier this week, Brett Kavanaugh, the Supreme Court of the US nominee, faced a Senate judiciary committee for sexual assault. And 'Saturday Night Live', which has always parodied such serious situations, seized the opportunity. Remember Alec Baldwin portraying Donald Trump and his childlike impudence? Keeping with this tradition, the season 44 kickstarted with Matt Damon as Brett, and we are loving the portrayal.
Damon's role
All about the skit by Damon
Apart from Damon as Brett, cast members Alex Moffat and Cecily Strong appeared as senators Chuck Grassley and Diane Feinstein respectively. Notably, Rachel Dratch had a cameo as Senator Amy Klobuchar. The SNL skit had plenty of beer references, as Brett himself showed a particular affinity to the brew during his hearing. Damon jokingly said he was a 'keg half full kind of guy'.
Comic acting
The comic portrayal of the prospective judge
Keeping true to the parody, Damon not only referred to beer, but he also shot-gunned a glass of water at the end. Moreover, when he was asked any pertinent question Damon would refer to a creepy calendar with his schedule, to avoid it. Lastly, when Damon's Brett was asked by Strong's Feinstein about an FBI investigation, Damon like Brett evaded the question.
Opinion
Comedy, journalism and Matt Damon
Damon channeled a powerful and angry Brett. Notably, Damon, being from Boston, knows the 'Ivy League types' like Brett. His role was, thus, cathartic and incisive. In an age where journalism is descending to comedy, perhaps comedy is stepping up to bear journalism's torch. The SNL skit thus takes on a sensitive issue, and boldly calls out Brett on his flaws during the hearing.
Twitter Post
This video will stay with you for long
Now it’s time to hear from Judge Brett Kavanaugh (Matt Damon). #SNLPremiere pic.twitter.com/dvu1VgJZt5
— Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) September 30, 2018