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Day 1 Assignment
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11 Replies
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What I learned doing this assignment – I used to say to friends that Groundhog Day is a top ten movie for me. They always laugh, top ten? Are you kidding? That movie drives me crazy. It’s goofy and goes on and on. To me Groundhog Day is about changing your life until you get it right. I believe it takes Phil 5,000-10,000 days in this movie to win over the girl of his dreams. Lead character is Phil Conners and he’s funny and entertaining and the right character for change because he is a miserable bitter old man at the beginning and has so much room for growth. That’s his old way and his new way is everyone’s friend. Gradient change is going from trying to explain everything to Rita and then giving up and killing himself several times. Goes from Stealing money, Eating everything, Sex and marriage proposal, Rude to everyone and barely giving an effort at work to being the nicest guy with all the time in the world. What gets him going is the girl. He fell in love with Rita and who wouldn’t, right? She’s spectacular and she describes her perfect guy. Too humble to know he’s perfect, Romantic, courageous, good body, kind, sensitive, gentle, can cry, loves children and changes poopy diapers. Plays an instrument……..Phil sets out to be all of those and more one day at a time. Rita says maybe it’s not a curse Phil. It’s how you look at it. That’s when it hits him. We connect with Phil because everyone of us at one time or another has goals and desires to be better. Some of my favorite lines. “Six months and four to five hours a day and you’d be an expert. Come on be the hat Rita” “well what if there is no tomorrow, there wasn’t one today” ” I know all about you Rita, you like producing but you hope for more. You like boats but not the ocean. You go to the lake with your family in the summer, sucker for french pastry and rhinestones. Very generous, kind to strangers and children and when you stand in the snow you look like an angel”. The profound truth of this movie is that you can do what Phil does. Be good to everyone, listen, love, give, be fun and save a life or two. Turn your life from miserable to great. Do this and goodness comes back to you a hundred times over.
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Amanda Avalon’s Analysis of Groundhog Day
What I learned doing this assignment is I started noticing more carefully what the story is.
What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
Phil Connors is a rude, arrogant weatherman who wakes up to a same day repeatedly. As the days goes by, he starts to notice things around him and starts to care about the world and the people around him and turn into a man Rita might fall in love with.
Lead characters:Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change?
Change agent is Rita, who he falls in love with.
Who is the Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey?
Phil, his attitude is poor. He needs to change to a better version of himself.
What is the Oppression?
Time. And the alarm clock.
How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
He knows what happens next and each time tries to benefit from the situation one way or another. Towards the end, for the benefit of other people.
Looking at the character(s) who are changed the most, what is the profound journey? From “old ways” to “new way of being.” Identify their old way: Identify their new way at the conclusion:
Phil changed the most, from arrogant and rude person to empathetic and caring human being.
What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
He came from arrogant, to surprised and angry, suicidal to caring of others. As he came to terms with living only one day, he started making most of it instead of trying to end it or himself.
How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
The change was internal, a mindset. As soon as he was ready and in tune with his emotions and surroundings, the day changed.
What are the most profound moments of the movie?
The moments when he’s trying to convince Rita that he’s not crazy.
When he tells Rita at the café that the cameraman is coming to take you away from me and gives her a note saying the exact words.
What are the most profound lines of the movie?
When he tells Rita at the café that the cameraman is coming to take you away from me.
How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
He wakes up to a new day with a woman who he’s fallen in love with.
What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
Notice your surroundings instead of only focusing on yourself.
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Lori’s Analysis of Groundhog Day
What I learned from this assignment is to look deeper at how and why characters react to their circumstances.
1. What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie? Phil begins as a selfish jerk, and after being forced to live the same day repeatedly, he finally becomes a selfless, caring man.
2. Lead characters: Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change? Rita is the woman Phil wants to impress, and his desire for her fuels much of his actions. Who is the Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey? Phil makes the perfect transformable character because he’s the one that needs to change the most. What is the Oppression? Everything that Phil can’t control, such as time, the alarm clock, other people’s responses to him.
3. How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story? When I see that it’s once again 6:00 am, and the same song begins to play, I want to know how Phil will react this time.
4. Looking at the character(s) who are changed the most, what is the profound journey? From “old ways” to “new way of being.” Identify their old way: Identify their new way at the conclusion: Phil’s old way was focused on his own needs and desires, and his new ways are focused on others.
5. What is the gradient of change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing? At first, Phil is confused, then frantic, angry, rebellious, manipulative, depressed, suicidal, nice, friendly, caring, giving.
6. How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change? It’s up to Phil to make the most of his day, even if it’s like every other day.
7. What are the most profound moments of the movie? He learns to play the piano and sculpt ice. He learns to love poetry. He starts caring about the people he once ignored, like the homeless man and the insurance salesman.
8. What are the most profound lines of the movie? The most profound lines in the movie are when Phil talks about knowing Rita’s face so well and when he says that he doesn’t care about tomorrow because he’s happy now.
9. How does the ending pay off the setups of this movie? He wakes up at the same time and to the same music as every other day, but this time is different, it’s a new day, and Rita is beside him. Everything and everyone he once resented, he now embraces. He even says, “Let’s live here.”
10. What is the Profound Truth of this movie? Even when every day feels like just another day, we have the ability to make it something special.
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Lauren’s Analysis of Groundhog Day
What I learned doing this assignment:
When I watched Groundhog Day before, I hadn’t noticed the subtleties in Phil’s journey and the gradient of change he experiences. In Hal’s opening teleconference, the point really struck me regarding the Transformable Character- How this character will emulate the Change Agent and become like them. Phil became like Rita. This was more pronounced when I watched it this time through. Phil’s human nature stood out to me more as he becomes worse in his actions before he begins to transform into a better person and learns from his mistakes. If Phil had done everything perfectly right away there would not be much of a story. His learning curve is what makes it more interesting and more profound.
What is the CHANGE this movie is about?
People have the ability to transform into their best possible selves.What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
Phil begins as a self-centered egomaniac who lives only for himself to a completely selfless and generous person who cherishes every moment.Lead characters:
Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change?
Rita is the Change Agent. She’s the right character to cause the change because she’s the exact opposite of Phil and he wants to be with her the very moment he sees her. Rita is also the most difficult person to sway when Phil is in his Old Ways. To be with Rita, Phil has to transform himself otherwise it will never work no matter what he tries.Who is the Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey?
Phil is the Transformable Character who makes the change. He’s the right character to deliver the profound journey because he is the most extreme character, the worst character, the one who has the most to lose and the most to change.What is the Oppression?
Not being able to escape experiencing the same day over and over again. Being caught in a perpetual time loop of the same day.How are we lured into the profound journey?
Will Phil ever be free from the nightmare of reliving the same day?
What is Phil going to do when he must experience the same day over and over again?What causes us to connect with this story?
Wondering- What would I do in this situation? Would I change? Would I become a better person? Would I learn from my mistakes?
Everyone has weaknesses and difficulties overcoming something. We’re all a little like Phil in some way. He’s like an exaggerated every man.Looking at the character(s) who are changed the most, what is the profound journey?
From “old ways” to “new way of being.”
Identify their old way: Phil is full of himself, overly confident, inconsiderate of others. He doesn’t have a high opinion of Punxsutawney or groundhogs, he thinks people are morons, he uses sarcasm as a weapon, he can’t spare any change or a warm drink or even a smile for a homeless man. He’s completely self absorbed and habitually takes advantage of others. He’s obsessed with his own betterment even at other’s expense.
Identify their new way at the conclusion:
Phil’s genuinely interested in other people. He cares about others more than himself. He lives in the moment without a care for how he can be benefited. He feels and thinks outwardly.What is the gradient the change?
Phil is at first incredibly dismayed and disturbed by his predicament of reliving the same terrible day.
A small but positive change occurs when he helps drive his bar friends home because they’re too drunk.
Discovering what it’s like to do anything he wants without consequences is a major breakthrough.
He asks Rita about her interests and learns everything about her.
Then he proceeds to create his vision of the perfect day with her.
When he fails to sleep with Rita, he becomes withdrawn once again.
Reality sets in that living every day repeatedly is a meager existence.
Phil attempts suicide. Every day.
Realizes he can’t die and thinks he must be a god.
Shares his true feelings about Rita.
Shares his money. Brings Rita and Larry breakfast and asks their opinion regarding the setup for shooting the Punxsutawney Phil story.
Phil finds joy in living and takes up many many hobbies.
Phil wants to save the dying homeless man’s life every day yet always fails.
Doing good deeds around town is his passion now.
He lives selflessly, in the moment and tells Rita how he feels without sarcasm and without worrying about tomorrow.What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
Phil first had to experience shock, irritation and depression.
Then acceptance, then the realization that he can live without worrying about the consequences of his actions, which brings excitement, taking advantage of people.
He realizes he can’t win the woman he loves by utilizing these techniques and tries to commit suicide. But after he lives through it, he believes he’s a god.
He truly falls in love with Rita and becomes generous and gives his money away, cares about other people’s thoughts, living for others.
Shedding his learned old ways because they no longer get him what he wants, he adopts his new ways, which mirror how Rita lives her life.How is the “old way” challenged?
Phil is stuck with people he hates and cannot escape them no matter what he does. He can’t get his wants met. Rita doesn’t accept Phil existing in his old ways.What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
Phil’s goal in life is to make himself happy. He believes he’s the most important person on earth. He’ll step on people and take advantage of anyone if it means a better life for himself.What are the most profound moments of the movie?
Having the opportunity to live free of consequences and what this looks like for Phil.
Phil’s switch from utter depression to supreme joy at the luck of living the same day again and again.
The idea that you only live once- but, what if you could only live once every day?
Phil commits suicide not realizing the good fortune he has fallen into.
He tells Rita he loves her and means it and says he doesn’t deserve her.
Phil gives his money to the homeless man.
He selflessly serves others.
Phil doesn’t care about tomorrow anymore. He lives in the present and is happy.What are the most profound lines of the movie?
“What if there is no tomorrow? There wasn’t one today.”
“Sometimes you just have to take the big chances.”
“I don’t worry about anything anymore.”
“Sometimes I wish I had a thousand lifetimes.”
“No matter what happens tomorrow or for the rest of my life, I’m happy now because I love you.”
“Is there anything I can do for you today?”How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
The homeless man passing away is very powerful after seeing Phil ignore him before.
All of Phil’s failed attempts at winning Rita over show that all his tricks won’t work. He must break the old ways, become his transformed, new ways self.
To see how badly Phil has acted and ruthlessly treated people and then to see how giving he is and how many people he’s served at the end, packs a powerful punch.What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
Living only for oneself is a wasted life.
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What I learned about this assignment is to watch a movie and examine it -not just let it ‘flow over me.’
The Change this movie is about
The story is of a man tired of his repetitious job and who initially sees himself as better than the assignments he is asked to do.
The Transformational Journey of this movie takes the main character from boredom and repetition (wishing someone would make him a better offer) through chaos to accepting and indeed welcoming sameness when he has Rita as his partner, being prepared then to step away from chaos into simplicity.
Lead Characters
Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change? Rita. Phil is as rejecting of her as everyone he meets -initially dismissed without a glance. She’s amenable, lets much roll off her, but has her limits (‘Suit yourself’ when he turns down dinner with her and Larry, the camera man, on their first night away.)
Who is the Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey? Phil. Recognized as on TV. Arrogant. (‘People are morons’), thinks no one is worth getting to know or their opinion of any relevance; despises the minutiae of the small town his assignment’s in. A character with plenty of room to become more human.
What is the Oppression? The sameness of the daily work grind and being forced annually to cover a local event that’s beneath him in a small town environment that’s also beneath his notice. The repetition of the day on assignment when even the smashed alarm clock comes back again.
The characters he comes across – the Insurance agent who leeches on to him, the disturbing sight of the old man begging in the cold, the decor and life at the BandB that is itself trapped in time.
How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
As soon as the first repetition occurs we enter a world of unreality, of strangeness.
Looking at the character(s) who are changed the most, what is the profound journey? From ‘old ways’ to ‘new ways of being.’ Identify their old way. Identify their new way at the conclusion.
Phil goes from being a ‘glass half empty’ to having a ‘glass half full’ outlook.
Rita realizes she loves Phil but he makes her come to him, so she can be sure.
Larry goes from doing his job without question, automatically (even when the car goes over the cliff) to accepting rejection at the bidding for men, to surprise when a changed Phil brings him a coffee (and knows how he likes his coffee) and offers him a favorite raspberry pastry.
What is the gradient with the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing? From arrogance and sarcasm, dismissal of everyone and everything, and impatience (trying to get out of the blizzard in several ways on the grounds of being a ‘celebrity in emergency’ to subtle changes as the day is repeated. From telling the landlady that it’s 100% certain that he’ll check out to 70-80%….through depression that’s suicidal in his imagination, to the realization that being with Rita is what he wants in life, to yielding to the change of a quieter life.
How is the ‘old way’ challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause the main character to shift their perspective….and make the change?
Life intervenes by placing him in an environment that he can’t leave as he wants, teaching him that he’s not always in control, that things don’t always go according to his plan.
What are the most profound moments of the movie?
Increased agitation as the day is repeated -the brain is physically normal, the psychiatrist doesn’t have an instant solution. Transference – calling Nancy (initially annoyed with his approach, then impressed because he’s on TV) Rita. He wants Rita to think they have a lot in common, so we see the repetition of scenes where he increasingly adds to this goal -same drinks, French poetry going from a ‘waste of time’ to ‘very bold choice’, learning to play the piano and espousing world peace as a wish.
What are the most profound lines of the movie?
‘That’d be the Home Shopping Network’ (the cameraman keeps things grounded!) He also says after Rita has slapped Phil ‘If you want help with the other cheek, let me know’ -refers to him as a Prima Donna.
‘Keep the talent happy,’ sums up the arrogance of the main character. ‘What’re you doing for dinner?’ ‘Something else.’ and ‘I sell Insurance.’ ‘What a shock.’ pins his dismissive attitude.
‘Do you want to throw up here or in the car?’ ‘I think both.’ shows the realism of living ‘in the moment’ of the small town guys.‘I’m just trying to talk like real people talk. Isn’t this how they talk?’
‘What if there were no tomorrow?’
How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
Asks ’What if there were no tomorrow?’ Risk taking on the railway. Escaping depression/suicidal tendencies in car explosion. Phil gaining empathy sets the ending up. Gives to the homeless man. Buys more insurance than needed to help the insurance guy who’s himself working a grinding and thankless job.
What is the profound truth of this movie?
Acceptance of things that can’t be changed. Seeing the best in situations. Accepting the roles of the people you come into contact with (led to Phil realising he loved Rita -he gains empathy, thus setting up a happy ending.) There are no instant answers (psychiatry). Know what’s likely and step over or avoid what you don’t want to land in (the puddle). Those standing at the side are grounded in reality and just keep the camera rolling, (Larry literally) no matter how difficult the situation (car explosion -he just keeps filming.)
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Subject: Veialu’s Analysis of Groundhog Day
What I learned doing this assignment is that the transformational journey can be made up of a series of failures and small lessons the character experiences. And that it’s particularly satisfying to see a character fail badly over and over, and then learn from their mistakes and be transformed by these failures.
1. What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
– Phil goes from being mean and selfish to being caring of others and living in the present moment.
2. Lead characters:
– Rita is the Change Agent. She’s the right character to cause the change because she is empathetic and has all the qualities Phil would like to have – fun, easy-going, kind, and caring.
– Phil is the Transformable Character. He’s the best person to deliver this profound journey because he’s so unlikeable and selfish at the start so seeing him change is extra satisfying.
– What is the Oppression? Time. Immortality. Phil’s own ego.
3. How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
– It’s satisfying to see this rude man be “punished” for his obnoxious behavior at first, but as he fails, he grows, and there’s something meaningful to this. We see his ego fall away and as he gradually becomes kind to everyone around him, it’s satisfying, and we’re rooting for him by the end.
4. Looking at the character(s) who are changed the most, what is the profound journey? From “old ways” to “new way of being.”
– Identify their old way: Mean, selfish, arrogant, rude, condescending, egocentric
– Identify their new way at the conclusion: selfless, caring, kind, fun, present, grateful
5. What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
– At the start, he’s rude, acts superior to everyone, and is obnoxious
– As the day keeps repeating, at first he freaks out but then he realizes he can do anything and get away with it
– He acts like he’s on a joyride, is more fearless, takes more risks
– He realizes love is important but fails to make a meaningful connection with Rita as he’s still trying to impress her rather than being genuine with her and caring
– He fails to win over Rita, he fails to die, he fails to makes friends, he fails to find happiness in the way he always thought you’re ‘supposed’ to find happiness
– He’s trapped, nothing going to change unless he changes himself
– He realizes he has to change his approach
– He realizes he can at least help others with the knowledge he’s gained
– As he focuses more on helping others, he gets stronger and kinder, Rita notices this
– As he finds more meaning, he begins to enjoy life, enjoy learning new things and connecting with more and more people in the community he once hated
– He completed changes his attitude and approach to life, seeing beauty and value in things he never did before
– So when he talks to Rita, he’s genuine and caring and she begins to trust him and care for him back
6. How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
– The old way is challenged because Phil is unable to survive in this new reality using his “old way,” it simply doesn’t work anymore. He needs to find a way to accept and survive in this reality and in doing so he finds a “new way” which brings him fulfillment and happiness.
– Eg. He believes that he is better than small-town people – but he learns that they are just like him, facing their own challenges and losses, and he begins to see them as 3-dimensional humans, not stereotypes
– Eg. He believes that love is about sex and winning over another person – but he learns that love is ego-less and kind
– Eg. He believes that life is boring in a small town – but then he learns it’s about the meaningful connections you make and by the end he wants to stay
– Eg. He believes he doesn’t need help – but he learns that he does need help and he gets it by giving back, and that the support is two-way
7. What are the most profound moments of the movie?
– Realising that if he only has one day to live he can take more risks and live more fearlessly
– When he realises that he has no idea what love really is
– He hits rock bottom when he realizes he can’t escape, not even by killing himself
– He realizes he’s a jerk
– When he discovers that when he stops thinking about himself all the time and is helpful and kind to others, it’s fulfilling and meaningful
– He speaks from his heart to Rita while she sleeps – it feels genuine
8. What are the most profound lines of the movie?
– “If you only had one day to live, what would you do?”
– “Whatever happens tomorrow, or for the rest of my life, I’m happy now… because I love you.”
– “Today is tomorrow. It happened.”
9. How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
– By the end of the movie, Phil’s behavior has changed. All the scenes we saw him be rude and mean, he repeats the same scenes being caring, thoughtful, and genuinely interested in the other person.
– By the end of the movie, he likes the small town he once hated – he even tries new things like piano and ice sculpting
– By the end, instead of avoiding locals, he finds meaning in helping the locals like the homeless man, the kid in the tree, the old ladies, the engaged couple, the choking man etc.
– He learns about life, death, love, helping others, building a community – all the things he was superficial and egotistical about at the start
– He realizes that even though he’s reliving the same day over and over, he can make every day count
10. What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
– Happiness comes from supporting others in your community and having meaningful connections
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What I learned from this assignment was how very gradually and minutely Phil learned to change. Making that change very logical and earned.
The questions:
The change is Phil’s Connors change from self-centeredness to kindness and altruism. The change for the audience is looking at where they are self-centered in their own lives and can become better.
2. Lead characters:
o Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change?
The Change Agents is Rita.
o Who is the Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey?
The Transformable Character is Phil.
o What is the Oppression?
The Oppressions is the fact he is waking up to the same morning, stuck in time.
3. How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
We are lured in by the fact that we both sympathize with this frustrating situation he’s in, and we begin to see him becoming a better person after exhausting his old ways.
4. Looking at the character(s) who are changed the most, what is the profound journey? From “old ways” to “new way of being.” Identify their old way: Identify their new way at the conclusion:
Phil’s old way is that he cares for only himself. He seeks fame and renown (without really deserving it.) He is a womanizer and doesn’t take anything seriously, least of all the feelings of others. The new ways are learning to care about others, wanting to help and where possible, save them, and appreciating not what Rita can give to him, but what he admires and loves about her, and what he can do for her.
5. What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
Phil’s is a very detailed step by step gradient. 1) He resists and tries to fix what’s happening to him 2) Then he revels in the realization he can do anything he wants (and does) 3) When he realizes he really cares about Rita, he tries to learn everything about her, so he can successfully seduce her (which he doesn’t) 4) He goes into despair and tries, in various ways, to kill himself 5) Declares himself a “god” to Rita and they have a good day together and as she sleeps he professes his love for her 6) Starts acting more kindly to Rita and Larry, and to the old man (who despite his efforts, dies anyway), and begins to use his time for learning and gaining mastery in all kinds of things including piano, Italian, medicine, etc. 7) He now turns down time with Rita to help and sometimes even save residents of the community. It is this that finally wins Rita over and 8) He wakes to the next day, Feb. 3, with Rita still by his side.
6. How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
His cynical beliefs that every man is out for himself are challenged, along with his attitudes towards and ways he uses women, for his own pleasure, and certainly not to get to know them as human beings. The way he is forced to shift his perspective is by first using his old ways and realizing how empty they ultimately are, then shifting, but not completely, to new ways that still reflect his egocentrism, and having them fail (particularly in terms of getting Rita to fall in love with him), and starting to care about the people in the town, ultimately even more than his need to gain Rita’s love.
7. What are the most profound moments of the movie?
There are many profound moments. Some are: When he drops into total despair and tries, unsuccessfully, to kill himself; when, no matter his efforts, he cannot save the old man (showing him he’s actually not all powerful), when, while Rita is sleeping, he tells her how deeply he admires who she is and that he loves her and would do everything to deserve her, when he gives the Chekov inspired speech to the camera during the groundhog ceremony, when he carves the exquisite snow sculpture of Rita; and of course, his sheer joy at waking up and finding it is finally Feb. 3, and Rita is lying in bed next to him.
8. What are the most profound lines of the movie?
Here are some of the profound lines: “I think you’re the kindest, sweetest, prettiest, most wonderful girl I ever met in my life.” I know a guy like me could never deserve to have someone like you, but if I did, I swear I would love you for the rest of my life.” “And standing among the people of Punxsutawney — basking in the warmth of their hearths and hearts, I couldn’t imagine a better fate than a long and lustrous winter.”
9. How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
The ending pays off the setups in that he wins the woman of his dreams by finally living up to the man she deserves.
10. What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
That we only deserve love when we give love.
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What I learned doing this assignment is to look deeper and you will find the truths. I never liked Groundhog Day until this assignment when asked to dig deep and find the true meaning. To me it was so repetitive I gave up on watching the whole movie before until now and finding the diamonds in the film was so rich. Love the movie now.
1. The transformational Journey : Going from being a self-absorbed jerk Weatherman to loving his life through saving others lives. Lets the audience know change is possible for anyone.
2. Change Agent: Rita, she’s humble, down to earth, attractive, and his boss.
Transformable Character: Phil, he’s the one with the biggest chip on his shoulder and arrogant warrant of need to change.
Oppression: Groundhog Day.
3. We’re lured into this journey by the clock. Every morning at 6:00AM the day wouldn’t change. The audience is intrigued to see how a self-absorbed person can continue his arrogance.
4. Phil’s Old Ways: Arrogant, Rude, Only thinks of himself, hates the Town, thinks he’s better than others.
Phil’s New Ways: Polite, putting others before himself, saving lives, praises the Town, Caring for others more than himself.
5. Gradient Change: Realizing he’s not better than anyone else. Step 1. Waking up thousands of time and the day never changed. 2. He kills himself in many ways and no death. 3. Tries to have a relationship with Rita. 4. Starts to learn the Piano and other ways to improve himself for Rita. 5. Begins to get involved with others lives held save them. Example: Saving the boy from falling out of the tree.
6. Phil cannot leave the Town because of a Blizzard so he is forced to face himself. the day will not end and tomorrow never comes. Relives the same day over and over again. Ask for help and goes to the Doctor.
Gets drunk and drives on railroad tracks chased by Police ends up in jail then wakes up and it never happened.
7. Profound Moments: The first time we know it’s the same day over again.
Phil drives off with the Groundhog.
Phil gets all the answers on Jeopardy.
Phil tries to save the Homeless man.
8. Profound Dialogue:
Rita: Sometimes I wish I had a thousand lifetimes. Maybe it’s not a curse, just depends on how you look at it.
Phil: Well, what if there is no tomorrow? There wasn’t one today.
9. How does the ending payoff the setups?
It helps Rita fall in love with Phil when all the people he saved thanks him at the Town Party.
10.Profound Truth:
No matter how bad you or things are, everything can change for the better.
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Wilton Blake’s Analysis of Groundhog Day
What I learned doing this assignment is that even movies that are just average can be profound in some ways?
1. What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
Changing from a rude, arrogant, asshole into a kind, lovable person.
2. Lead characters:
o Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change? Rita
o Who is the Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey? Phil
o What is the Oppression? Time – Groundhog Day
3. How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
o We want to see Phil change?
o Will Phil ever escape the time loop?
4. Looking at the character(s) who are changed the most, what is the profound journey? From “old ways” to “new way of being.” Identify their old way: Identify their new way at the conclusion:
o Asshole to Kind and generous
5. What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
o Repeatedly waking up on Groundhog Day.
o Realizing that the day is repeating itself.
o Asking Rita for help.
o Taking advantage of the situation
o Seducing Rita but it fails
o Gets upset
o Steals groundhog
o Tries to kill himself multiple times
o Admitting he is an asshole
o Turned into a nice guy, start reading books, taking piano lessons, making an ice sculpture, helps homeless man, changing old lady’s tire
6. How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
o By the end, he knows that the only way to win love is to be a kinder person. He couldn’t get her with tricks.
7. What are the most profound moments of the movie?
o Realizing that he is reliving the same day
o Asking for help
o Seeing a psychiatrist
o Phil asks Rita out for a date
o Phil and Rita kiss
o Rita wants to leave
o Rita slaps him day after day
o 6:00 arrives dramatically
o Phil tries to convince Rita he’s a god
o Professes his love for Rita while she’s sleep
o Becomes the most popular guy in town
o Rita wins Phil at an auction
o They kiss
o Rita awakens
8. What are the most profound lines of the movie?
o “What would you do if you were stuck in one place and every day was exactly the same and nothing you did mattered.”
o What if there were no tomorrow? We could do whatever we want.”
o “I’m not going to live by their rules anymore.”
o “I don’t worry about anything anymore.”
o “Rita, if you only had one day to live, what would you do with it?”
o “I could never love someone like you because the only one you love is yourself.”
o “Maybe the real god uses tricks. Maybe he’s not omnipotent. It’s just that he’s been around long enough that he knows everything.”
o “No matter what happens tomorrow, or for the rest of my life, I’m happy now cuz I love you”
o “Something’s different. Anything different is good.”
o “Today is tomorrow.”
9. How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
o His self-absorption turns into selflessness. He honestly becomes the man the woman he loves wants him to be.
10. What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
o We deserve love when we give love
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What I learned doing this assignment is how almost every scene includes a profound approach. Either old/new ways, the change agent, some gradient of change, or profound moment. I’ve never considered it before like this.
01
What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
Going from self-centered, arrogant news-anchor, to selfless and loving partner.
From not caring for anyone but himself, to caring about other people, helping them, and falling in love (with someone other than himself).
From hating the town, to loving it.
From believing that people are morons to getting to know them, help them, and enjoy himself while doing so.
From saying I can’t stay here, to saying “let’s live here”.
From egocentric to spending every day getting to know others and helping them.
02
Lead characters:
Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change?
She’s the change agent. Getting stuck with someone and falling in love with her makes her the right character to cause the change.
Who is the Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey?
He’s the Transformable Character. He’s flawed and has to change if he wants to solve the issue he’s got into.
What is the Oppression?
The repetition of the same day over and over again.
Getting stuck no matter what you do.
03
How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
We relate to him through his sense of humor and feeling isolated as him.
Relatability.
* * Everyone in town seems extremely friendly, making him (and us as foreigners) uncomfortable and out of place).
** He wants to get out of there (as we would).
** He feels strange in a world where no one else notices how strange everything has become.
** He feels trapped.
** He’s afraid of getting stuck (and so are we).
** He wants something better for him.
** He’s the only one (with us) that feels it’s a silly tradition.
Intrigue
** What’s the tradition of Groundhog Day?
04
Looking at the character(s) who are changed the most, what is the profound journey? From “old ways” to “new way of being.” Identify their old way: Identify their new way at the conclusion:
Old Ways: Arrogant, self-centered, sarcastic, the only thing that matters is himself.
New Ways: Cares for others, loving, open, honest, enjoying every day.
05
What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
01.. Hates the place.
02.. He needs to leave.
03.. He doesn’t want to share even a dinner with her.
04.. He suspects something is wrong (second day – 1st repetition). Unaware but suspecting.
05.. Questioning what day it is?
06.. Finding out he’s trapped in there.
07.. Telling he’s repeating the same day to her, and she doesn’t believe him.
08.. The doctor tells him there’s nothing physical, that he might need a psychiatrist.
09.. The psychiatrist can’t help him either.
10.. He tries killing himself, but he wakes up the same day. Again.
11.. He gets in jail and realizes it doesn’t matter because he starts all over again.
12.. He enjoys living without consequences (by doing only what he wants).
13.. He stops caring about tomorrow.
14.. He wants to date her, and for it he needs to get to know her, and get interested in her.
15.. He gets rejected because he doesn’t consider her feelings.
16.. Not even death is his way out of this.
17.. He tries a new approach, telling her the truth.
18.. And when he does, she says, “Maybe it’s not a curse, it depends on how you take it”.
19.. When he spends one night with her, listening without an agenda, opening to her, telling her the truth, there’s a change in him. He wakes up the next day, and enjoys his day, makes the most of it.
20.. He spends his days doing nice things for others, helping, considering and being kind to others, which makes him happy.
06
How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
He starts saying she’s not his type.
He mocks her.
He doesn’t want to have dinner with her.
He wants to be apart from people and her.
When he doesn’t understand, and doctors and psychiatrists are no good, he needs help from others.
He tries to get help from local drunks.
She tells him a poem treating him like a selfish person.
He wants to date her, and he needs to get to know her and get interested in her.
Challenges his rules:
She doesn’t want to have sex the first night, and he says it has to be that night (he’s only considering his feelings).
He thinks he knows how to do things, for example, using the information he has to seduce her, but he fails time after time.
Identity challenges:
She: Can you be serious for a moment?
When he asks her about her, she doesn’t want to tell him anything because she thinks he will mock her.
Can he treat her with respect or only sarcasm?
She: You can’t love me, you can’t love anyone but yourself.
Him: I don’t even like myself.
Everything he tries to change his mood has one thing in common: he doesn’t consider others’ feelings, he only thinks about himself.
When he spends one night with her, listening without an agenda, opening to her, telling her the truth, there’s a change in him. He wakes up the next day, and enjoys his day, makes the most of it.
07
What are the most profound moments of the movie?
He realizes no one can help him.
He realizes his actions don’t matter, and the consequences either.
He realizes he won’t live by others’ choices anymore, you make decisions, and you live with it.
Even when he knows all the answers (for example, watching the tv show with the elderly), he doesn’t enjoy it.
He enjoys helping others. It makes him happy.
By helping others and being a happy person who enjoys every day, he unwillingly seduces the one he loves.
08
What are the most profound lines of the movie?
Him: What would you do if you were stuck in one place, and nothing you could do mattered?
Drunk Guy: That sums it up for me.
He’s not the only one with that feeling.
Him: What if there’s no tomorrow?
Drunk Guy: Then there are no consequences! We can do whatever we want!
Him: (While driving towards a train) Sometimes you need to take big chances.
No matter what happens tomorrow, I’m happy now because I love you.
Everything different is good.
09
How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
Phil needs to spend his day helping others, being helpful to others, considering others; when he truly changes, not only he’s happy, but he’s able to escape the loop. And not only that, now he doesn’t want to leave the town.
10
What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
By considering others, helping others, enjoying every day, and opening ourselves to our loved ones, we enjoy every day and change, it won’t stop death, but it will make every day worth it.
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Ground Hog Day
I learned that when you analyze a movie that there is a lot of depth to discover and doing this makes viewing the movie much more interesting.
This movie is about Phil’s personal transformation. The transformational journey in this movie is Phil changing from a mean and selfish and negative person to a giving and caring one, who also becomes happy in his life.
Rita is the change agent. She is the right character to cause this change in Phil, as Phil cares a lot about her.
Phil is the transformable character. He is the right character to deliver this profound journey, as he is the only who is selfish, sarcastic, mean, uncaring, and negative.
The oppression is the constant repetition of the same events happening over and over every day in Phil’s life, as he finds this to be an unbearable way to live.
We are lured into the profound journey by Phil’s depressed, sarcastic nature, which at times is funny and by the celebration and excitement about ground hog day.
The celebration of Ground Hog Day and then Phil’s angst about the days event repeating themselves over and over, as well as his attempts to change the events of the day cause us to connect with the story.
Phil is changed the most and goes from his old ways of being mean, selfish, sarcastic, and negative to his new ways of being kind, caring, and giving to others, as well as being in love and in a happy relationship with Rita.
In the gradient change, Phil started trying to change what happened in the same repetitive days. This included doing mean things, such as punching his high school friend. He attempted to kill himself several different ways. He then brought coffee to a homeless man, fed him etc.. He also did nice things, including taking piano lessons, pumping a tire up for three elderly women, and making an ice sculpture for Rita. All of this slowly took away his arrogance, and he became a nice person.
The old ways were challenged when he met Rita and started to care about her. His belief that everything should be all about him and that other people didn’t matter changed when he started spending time with Rita.
The most profound moments of the movie are when he stole the truck on ground hog dog and a chase ensued. Making the ice-sculpture was profound, as well as all of his attempts to commit suicide, and as well being so kind to the homeless man.
The most profound lines of the movie are: “If you only had one day to live, what would you do? How can you start the day with one expectation and end up with another expectation? I’ve killed myself so many times I don’t even exist anymore.”
The ending pays off the setups of this movie by Phil being happy and in love with Rita and in the beginning he was miserable, lonely, mean, and very negative.
The profound truth of this movie is to be happy in the moment and to love and to be kind and give to others.
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