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Day 1 Assignments
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Maria Helena Nascimento – analysis of Groundhog Day:
– What I learned doing this assignment:
I realized how powerful it is for a story when a character does not know himself, but we do. ( I also confess that I wasn’t crazy about this movie, but liked it much more this time)
– What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What
is the Transformational Journey of this movie?The change is about Phil breaking the shell of arrogance that he built to protect him from other people and accepting and cherishing his imperfect humanity.
– Lead characters:
Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the
change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change?It’s Rita. Because she is honest, open, empathic – his opposite. And because she awakens the love in him, forcing him to acknowledge his true feelings.
– Who is the Transformable Character (the one
who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver
this profound journey?Phil. Because he has reached the peak (or bottom) of his emotional isolation and intolerance of his fellow human beings.
– What is the Oppression?
I am not sure if it is his own difficult personality or if it is the day that never ends.
– How are we lured into the profound journey?
What causes us to connect with this story?We want to see how he will cope with the day that never ends, how he will manage to escape it.
– 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. He begins as a cynical, arrogant prima donna, with no compassion, incapable of truly relating to anyone – though very charming. At the conclusion, he sheds all these traits that protected him against pain and find the freedom and greatness of being open to life.
I don’t see much change in other characters.
– What is the gradient the change? What steps
did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?The steps are marked by the repetition of the Groundhog Day. Each day is a test, and Phil tries new ways to act to escape the strange predicament. Aggressive, indifferent, wild as a teenager, suicidal… but all these behaviors are artificial and still reflect his difficulty to open himself. It is only when he tries kindness – although at first in a calculated way – that things begin to change.
– How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs
are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and
make the change?Phil is literally stuck in his way of life. Little by little, he understands that nothing that is built or faked will help him out, only his true, profound feelings will save him.
– What are the most profound moments of the
movie?I think one is when he declares his love to Rita when she asleep.
– What are the most profound lines of the movie?
Phil’s lines: “If you had one day to live, what would you do?” “I don’t even like myself”, “if I could, I would love you”, “only God can make a tree”, “I’m a god”. And Rita’s “I live to go with the flow”, “Maybe it’s not a curse, it depends on the way you look at it”.
– How does the ending payoff the setups of this
movie?”Phil finds love as reward for finally facing his true self as a vulnerable, imperfect human-being.
– What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
Life may hurt, but nothing good ever comes from trying to protect ourselves from it.
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Subject: Diane Phelps Analysis of Groundhog Day
1. What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
This movie focuses on Phil the main characters’ flaws. His journey is moving from narcissist to genuine caring 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?
o The change agent is the Rita character.
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 main character Phil is the transformable character.
o What is the Oppression?
The oppression is being stuck in the time loop and repeating the same day over and over till he figures his way out of it.
3. How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
For the me the face slapping sequences are fun way to show the attempts Phill tries to seduce Rita, and the ongoing struggle he has to win her over.
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:
The new way of being is finally achieved at the end by him presenting a humble accomplished unselfish person ready to be loved.
5. What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
This is a great example of showing the gradients of the transformation journey, with the old way being completely self-absorbed, then he makes his way around the town being selfish and doing things what were self serving. Then the next step trying to kill himself, then trying to better himself. Then doing things for other people, then just improving his own character.
6. How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
Phil, was stuck in the old way and was forced to change with knowing it.
7. What are the most profound moments of the movie?
Several memorable scenes come to mind, the slapping scene, the gobblers knob speech, the saving the kid and people.
8. What are the most profound lines of the movie?
Well here is a list from the somewhere on the internet….
1. “Okay campers, rise, and shine, and don’t forget your booties ‘cause it’s cold out there… it’s cold out there every day.”- Phil Connors
2. “I’m a god — I’m not the God, I don’t think.”- Phil Connors
3. “I think people place too much emphasis on their careers. I wish we could all live in the mountains at high altitude. That’s where I see myself in five years. How about you?”- Phil Connors
4. “You want a prediction about the weather? You’re asking the wrong Phil. I’m going to give you a prediction about this winter? It’s gonna be cold, it’s gonna be grey and it’s going to last you for the rest of your lives!”- Phil Connors
5. “There is no way that this winter is ever going to end as long as this groundhog keeps seeing his shadow. I don’t see any other way out. He’s got to be stopped. And I have to stop him.”- Phil Connors
6. “This is one time where television really fails to capture the true excitement of a large squirrel predicting the weather.”- Phil Connors
7. “Well, what if there is no tomorrow? There wasn’t one today.”- Phil Connors
8. “Don’t drive angry! Don’t drive angry!”- Phil Connors (talking to the groundhog)
9. “Rita: Why would anyone wanna steal a Groundhog?
Larry: I can think of a couple of reasons, Pervert.”- ‘Groundhog Day’
10. “E.R. Nurse: Sometimes people just die…Phil Connors: Not today…”- ‘Groundhog Day’
11. “Phil: Do you ever have déjà vu, Mrs. Lancaster?
Mrs. Lancaster: I don’t think so, but I could check with the kitchen.”- ‘Groundhog Day’
12. “I’m betting he’s going to swerve first.”- Phil Connors
13. “That was a pretty good day. Why couldn’t I get that day over, and over, and over…”- Phil Connors
14. “Phil: You wanna throw up here, or you wanna throw up in the car?Ralph: I think…both.”- ‘Groundhog Day’
‘Groundhog Day’ Quotes On Rita And Phil’s Love
The romance in the movie blossoms when Phil Connors tries to woo his co-worker Rita Hanson. Some of the most romantic ‘Groundhog Day’ movie quotes have been compiled in this section. 15. “Phil: Can I be serious with you for a minute? Rita: I don’t know. Can you?”- ‘Groundhog Day’ 16. “Well maybe the real God uses tricks, you know? Maybe he’s not omnipotent. He’s just been around so long he knows everything.”- Phil Connors 17. “Rita: I like to see a man of advancing years throwing caution to the wind. It’s inspiring in a way.Phil: My years are not advancing as fast as you might think.”- ‘Groundhog Day’18. “Rita: Phil, why weren’t you like this last night? You just fell asleep. Phil: It was the end of a VERY long day.” – ‘Groundhog Day’ 19. “Rita: It’s beautiful. I don’t know what to say. Phil: I do. Whatever happens tomorrow, or for the rest of my life, I’m happy now… because I love you.” – ‘Groundhog Day’ 20. “Phil: Do you know what today is? Rita: No, what? Phil: Today is tomorrow. It happened.” – ‘Groundhog Day’ 21. “Phil: Something is… different. Rita: Good or bad? Phil: Anything different is good.- ‘Groundhog Day’ 22. “Sometimes I wish I had a thousand lifetimes. I don’t know, Phil. Maybe it’s not a curse. Just depends on how you look at it.” -Rita Hanson 23. “Whew! Watch out for that first step. It’s a doozy!” -Ned Ryerson 24. “Phil? Phil Connors? Phil Connors, I thought that was you! Now, don’t you tell me you don’t remember me because I sure as heckfire remember you.” -Ned Ryerson 25. “I peg you as a glass half empty kinda guy.”- Gus 26. “You know, people like blood sausage, too. People are morons.”- Phil Connors
27. “Phil: What would you do if you were stuck in one place and every day was exactly the same and nothing that you did, mattered?
Ralph: That about sums it up for me.”- ‘Groundhog Day’
28. “Ned, I would love to stay here and talk with you…but I’m not going to.”- Phil Connors
29. “Ned: Phil? Phil: Ned? [punches Ned in the face]”
– ‘Groundhog Day’
30. “Felix’s Wife: Dr. Connors. I want to thank you for fixing Felix’s back. He can even help around the house again. Phil: I’m sorry to hear that, Felix.”- ‘Groundhog Day’
31. “Piano Teacher: Not bad… Mr. Connors, you say this is your first lesson? Phil: Yes, but my father was a piano mover, so…”- ‘Groundhog Day’
32. “Phil: It’s the same thing your whole life: ‘Clean up your room. Stand up straight. Pick up your feet. Take it like a man. Be nice to your sister. Don’t mix beer and wine, ever.’ Oh yeah: ‘Don’t drive on the railroad track.’ Gus: Well, Phil, that’s one I happen to agree with.”- ‘Groundhog Day’
33. “This is pitiful. A thousand people freezing their butts off waiting to worship a rat. What a hype! Groundhog Day used to mean something in this town. They used to pull the hog out, and they used to eat it. You’re hypocrites, all of you!”- Phil Connors
34. “When Chekhov saw the long winter, he saw a winter bleak and dark and bereft of hope. Yet we know that winter is just another step in the cycle of life. But standing here among the people of Punxsutawney and basking in the warmth of their hearths and hearts, I couldn’t imagine a better fate than a long and lustrous winter.”- Phil Connors
35. “What a waste of time! I mean, for someone else that would be an incredible waste of time. It’s so bold of you to choose that.”- Phil Connors
These are some of the most rememberable and some used to set up the next payoff.
9. How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
The ending is still a happy surprise because he finally gets what he wants, Rita to be in love with him and to wake up in his bed.
10. What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
That even a bad person can become good.
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1. Change/Transformational Journey: Going from living a career driven, self obsessed life to helping make others day better and in the process finding the true meaning of life that makes each day worth living (even if you’d have live it over and over again)…love.
2 – Change agent: Rita. She starts out being free and seeing the beauty around her. “These people are incredible how they sing”….she hears the music and rhythm of life.
Transformational<font face=”inherit”> Character: Phil as he’s living for a future day where one day he’ll be happy when he’s accomplished what he wants …to finding the joy of living in the moment. He learns to play the music of life which ultimately Rita </font>recognizes.
Oppression: The day repeating itself and the snow storm/6am alarm.
3 – Profound Journey: We see that he’s trapped and can’t get out of his current situation no matter how hard he tries. Wanting more but not getting the respect and happiness seemingly out of reach. We relate to him wanting to be free and break all the rules. Ultimately connect to him finding joy of the moment which is the only place you will find love.
4 – Old to New: Phil changed the most as his old way of doing things for himself to new way of doing things for others. Old way of pushing people away to new way of embracing life.
5 – Gradients of change: Steps after he learns day repeats were …first to break all the rules for his own personal gain, to wanting to escape from life, trying to connect to Rita but not knowing how (and continually getting slapped), to ultimately giving in to the moment and embracing it and thinking of others which ultimately is how he finds his way to Rita.
6 – Old way challenged: Old way is him constantly thinking and living for tomorrow and thinking about himself first. New way is thinking of others and embracing today.
7 – Profound moments: <font face=”inherit”>“What if there is no tomorrow?” scene….”I’m not going to live by their rules anymore”….he starts to realize that he’s been living a life he thought he was supposed to in order to be happy..what the world tells him to do…much like how we are waiting for the weather person to tell us what the weather is and depending on what groundhog sees….befroe we do </font>anything<font face=”inherit”>…which maybe also makes the ground hog and Phil going off the cliff symbolic..and both groundhog and weatherman having same name.</font>
Trying to save the homeless person but realizing he dies no matter what. That everyone has there time to die which we can’t choose. But we can choose how we live.
When he knows everyone in the café….maybe an insight similar to “It’s to do about knowing and being known” from The Real Thing, Tom Stoppard.
8 – Profound lines: “Winter is just a step in the cycle of life”
“No matter what happens tomorrow or for the rest of my life…I’m happy now…because I love you”
“Today is Tomorrow”
“Is there anything I can do for you Today?”
“Let’s live HERE”
9 – Ending / Payoff
Waking up next to her made you feel that he’d be ok with that day repeating if it had to over an over….all the days he couldn’t escape and resisted built a tension that when he finally recognized what he wanted and achieved that by thinking of others not himself …that broke the loop and there was a release that made us experience that moment stronger i think….
also when he asked why she was there and he said something like “because you said stay so i did”….also payed off well since made me feel that life is also asking the right questions…..and sometimes its as simple as that
<font face=”inherit” style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>10 – Profound Truth: </font>Live every day as if there is no tomorrow. Embrace every moment as if its all we have ..as in the moment is the only place you will find the most important part of life which is love…love for poetry, singing and people.
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What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
Phil goes from an unlovable narcissist to almost Buddha or Jesus
or from unhappy to happy.
Lead characters:
Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change?
Rita pushes Phil’s cynical buttons, she’s everything Phil will grow to be
Who is the Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey?
Phil hates his Groundhog day assignment in Punxsutawney.
What is the Oppression?
The repeating Groundhog Day or Phil’s own ego.
How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
When Phil wakes up and notices it’s seemingly Groundhog Day again.
We wonder what’s going on, did we cross over to fantasy or sci-fi? But that question changes to how will Phil change.
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 basically kill his ego. He has to kill it over and over. From cynical, sarcastic narcissistic jerk to kind, caring and lovable
What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
Phil falls in love with Rita almost immediately, even though he doesn’t really like her
Seeing the glass half empty at first he takes advantage of the townspeople
His advances to Rita fail, hitting rock bottom he attempts suicide, but nothing works
Switches to the glass have full approach he becomes kind, caring and the most loved guy in town and coincidentally he becomes happy and Rita finally falls for him.
The highs (sentimentality) and the lows (cynicism) are extreme
How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
The believe that you have manipulate people to get what you want.
He can’t get Rita to sleep with him
What are the most profound moments of the movie?
When Phil breaks the pencil and checks it in the morning, it’s not broken
Phil confesses to Rita that’s he’s reliving the same day
Phil confesses his love to Rita (while she’s sleeping).
We could do whatever we want.
Chicken with a train. I’m not gonna live by their rules anymore.
After a night of mayhem Phil wake up with no consequences from the night before.
Phil’s action becomes more outlandish as he starts having fun with the repeating day.
Phil calls Nancy Rita twice while they are making out.
Phil’s and Rita’s “date”
As Phil uses the repeating day to get close to Rita as he manufactures a relationship to sleep with her that becomes real for Phil.
They kiss at the halfway point, but Phil pushes too hard and repeatedly offends Rita
Phil reaches the end of his rope and kidnaps Phil the Groundhog.
The groundhog is driving
Phil can’t kill himself, he is truly trapped.
Phil shows Rita his “powers.” She begins to believe.
Phil has completely changed, taking on Rita’s traits.
Rita bids on Phil
What are the most profound lines of the movie?
You have to take the big chances.
What if there is no tomorrow, there wasn’t one today.
What would you do if you were stuck in one place where everyday was exactly the same and nothing you did mattered.
I don’t worry about anything, anymore.
I am a god, I’m not the God, I don’t think
I think you’re the kindest, sweetest, prettiest person I’ve ever met in my life. I’ve never seen anyone that’s nicer to people than you are. The first time I saw you… something happened to me. I never told you but… I knew that I wanted to hold you as hard as I could. I don’t deserve someone like you. But if I ever could, I swear I would love you for the rest of my life.
You like boats, but not the ocean. You go to a lake in the summer with your family up in the mountains. There’s a long wooden dock and a boathouse with boards missing from the roof, and a place you used to crawl underneath to be alone. You’re a sucker for French poetry and rhinestones. You’re very generous. You’re kind to strangers and children, and when you stand in the snow you look like an angel.
Well maybe the *real* God uses tricks, you know? Maybe He’s not omnipotent. He’s just been around so long He knows everything.
I killed myself so many times I don’t even exist anymore.
No matter what happens tomorrow or for the rest of my life, I’m happy now because I love you.
I think I’m happy too better than “I love you too”
I think people place too much emphasis on their careers.
I guess I want what everybody wants. You know, career, love, marriage, children.
The wretch, concentred all in self, living, shall forfeit fair renown, and doubly dying, shall go down, to the vile dust from whence he sprung – unwept, unhonored, and unsung. Sir Walter Scott.
Let’s live here, we’ll rent to start (he hated this place at the beginning)
How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
Rita falls in love with Phil, he’s actually worthy of her now
Phil is no longer a cynical, sarcastic jerk
Phil wakes up with Rita and we feel the relief of the next day after a lot of tension
What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
The glass that’s half full beats half empty
Kindness and selflessness is more valuable then cynicism and narcissism
The recipe for happiness is kindness and selflessness
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Dietrich von Oppeln: Analysis Groundhog Day
What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
Phil evolving from being an asshole to a decent lovable human being, forced by living the same day over and over until he brings forth the best in him and earns the love he is longing for.
Lead characters: Phil, Rita
Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change?
I am not sure: It could be Rita but it is also this daily repetition. Actually the primary Change Agent is this Repetition. Somehow the secondary is Rita.
Who is the Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey?
It is Phil. He is a man nobody wants to deal with changing to a man everybody loves. A man who hates his life and job to a man who sees beauty even in little details. A man who hates life and then appreciates life in a new way.
What is the Oppression?
The daily repetition. The clock in the morning.
How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
What is so special about a Groundhog day? But, what the heck … same day again? Why? We all feel boredom once in a while and we know we don’t make the best of a day. And this is intriguing: What would I do, if I could live the same day over and over – and it would not have any consequences.
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. The whole movie is about changing. A strange Paradox: Changing by repeating. Change from a despicable character to a man who deserves the love of a woman with integrity.
What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
Fuck everybody. I don’t care – What in the world …? • This is great, I can do what I want – This needs to stop. I want to die – I will never make it with Rita – I might have a chance by being caring and sensitive – I accept this and make the best of it with no specific expectations – I actually enjoy my life and bless everybody
How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
I am the way I am and this is o.k. so – Everybody should accept me like I am – I am worthless others too – Women are kids and easy to have and seduce – I am not responsible for anything – Life is a bitch – I am not here to care but to get –
What are the most profound moments of the movie?
At the tunnel: I am the weather – The ride on the tracks – the fall into the abyss – his suicide attemps – his attemps to save lives – Rita gets the fake – her slaps repeating – He playing music for her – the new day
What are the most profound lines of the movie?
I am the weather • Watch your next step, it is a pratfall (don’t know exactly what the insurance man says, becaus e I saw the movie only in German) • I am a God • One makes decisions and lives with them • Everything what is different is good
How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
Per aspera ad astra – the frog becomes a prince – a new day, a so much better day – there is hope in change – if you long enough trying to be your best you will eventually succeed – Finally he made it – Change is possible and rewarded
What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
Change is possible. When you try hard enough you are able to bring out the best in you. And this is rewarded. In one sentence: What you put out you get back.
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What I learned doing this assignment is:
What a joy and interesting process it can be to slowly dissect a story and break it into smaller, manageable pieces.
How even minor characters can have a moment that impacts the transformation of the main character or mirror their transformation and move the story forward.
What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
From living a selfish, narcissistic, cynical life to a selfless, authentic person where a true appreciation for the beauty of life and love is possible.
<div>
</div>Lead characters:
Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change?
Rita. She is the anthesis of everything Phil is not. She’s hopeful, optimistic and sees beauty in the world and the people in it.
Who is the Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey?
Phil, the weather man, starts out bitter, cynical, thinks he’s better than anyone else. Snotty, demanding, rude, sarcastic, believes he’s a celebrity who deserves special treatment and nobody can do anything right. He appears to have no redeeming characteristics. He has a long way to go to become someone capable of love and happiness.
What is the Oppression?
Groundhog Day – it’s the same day over and over again which Phil can’t escape
How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
When Phil wakes up and it’s Groundhog day again and again, we’re intrigued to see how Phil reacts to being trapped in this reality. We also wonder how we would react and what we would do and how we would grow with this ‘free time.’
Relatability
Phil is confused and frustrated. He sees the same people, saying the same things over and over again. He doesn’t know what’s going on and neither do we.
We can see what he needs to do to be free before he can.
Rita tries to understand him but his behavior is so bizarre she doesn’t know what to do.
When Phil decides he has a free pass to do whatever he wants, we also sense freedom in that. What would that be like to live a life with no consequences?
What would it be like to die over and over again and know you would always wake up?
Phil explores what he would do with his life – both bad and good because he doesn’t know how to live in this world. We wonder what we would do with our own life if anything were possible.
Intrigue
Day 2, the alarm clock goes off with the same song playing, the same radio talk. The radio says it’s groundhog day. How is it the same day? He doesn’t know how to react.
As each day progresses. We want to see how he reacts to being stuck in the same day over and over again.
What will he do with the information he’s learning about each person in the town?
Will he ever be free of Groundhog day or will he be stuck here forever? Is there anything he can do to be free?
What would you do if nothing you did mattered? Or does it matter?
Will he be able to get Rita to fall in love with him?
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</div>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:
Phil is arrogant, selfish, thinks he’s special and everyone else is less than him. He believes he’s better than the job he has and is resentful of having to cover the story of Groundhog Day and staying in this Podunk town. He can’t wait to leave.
NEW WAYS:
Phil has a profound love for the town and the people in it. He is at peace with himself and his life and from this he finds love and never wants to leave the town.
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</div>What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
Selfish, Egotistical, Cynical
Confused by his reality. What’s going on?
Angry, frustrated because he can’t leave.
Questioning the world, with no consequences and if nothing matters, he can do whatever he wants.
Desperate to stop having this same day over and over again, commits suicide many time.
He starts learning things about people to con them which doesn’t make him happy.
He starts learning new things to impress Rita.
He begins to help people in the town.
He surrenders himself entirely to the idea he’ll be stuck in this one day forever and embraces it. He humbles himself. Through his humility and selflessness, he learns how to authentically love and his life can begin.
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</div>How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
Phil’s old way of life is challenged when he gets stuck in it by living the same day over and over again. A day that he hates.
His Identity is challenged because his old way of being egotistical and selfish are keeping him trapped here. His tricks – conning people, living with no consequences also don’t work. He tries various methods to free himself but doesn’t know how to get himself out of this situation.
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</div>What are the most profound moments of the movie?
At the end of Day 2, just before he goes to bed, he breaks a pencil and sets it on the bedside table. When he wakes on Day 3, the pencil is in one piece. He truly is trapped here.
Phil driving with the drunk guys, gets thrown in jail. Wakes up the next day back in the B&B, he’s excited. Life has no consequences, he can do whatever he wants. He kisses the woman who runs the B&B, knocks out Phil Ryerson and skips over the puddle. In a café he’s eating a whole table of junk food. He’s smoking. Robs a bank truck, proposes to a girl.
Phil, “Rita if you only had one day to live, what would you do with it?” He starts to probe her. Ask her questions about herself. He becomes a con artist, using information he’s learning to trick Rita into thinking he’s her perfect guy. He’s pushing himself on her, says he loves her. “Love me, you don’t even know me. I can’t believe I fell for this.” She’s suspects him. “You’ll never love anyone except yourself.” She slaps him. He’s only doing things to get what he wants. He’s forcing it with her. Nothing sincere. He’s acting maniacal. She’s turned off. Many scenes of him being slapped at various points of the date.
He wakes up defeated, sad. He’s playing jeopardy and getting all the answers right and drinking straight from a bottle. Delivering his news cast, bitter, dejected. He’s being mean. “You want a prediction, it’s going to be cold, it’s going to be gray and it’s going to last you for the rest of your life.
Knocking radio off, breaking the radio. Over and over again. He can’t escape his reality.
Phil snaps. Steals the Groundhog. There’s a car chase with the cops and the production van. He turns the truck around drives off a cliff into a quarry. The car explodes. He commits suicide over and over again. Always wakes up.
Phil and Rita spend a sweet day/night together. Midnight happens and she’s still there. 3 am happens and, she’s lying in bed with him. She falls asleep. He tucks her in. “I think you’re the kindest, sweetest, prettiest person I’ve ever seen in my entire life.” He gently kisses her on the cheek. “The first time I saw you something happened to me.” It’s the most genuine he’s ever been. “I don’t deserve someone like you but if I ever could, I swear I’d love you for the rest of my life.”
6 am comes and she’s gone and it’s Feb 2<sup>nd</sup> all over again.
After spending the night with Rita, he’s happy, he starts to do things for others. Gives money the beggar, brings Rita and Larry coffee. He’s generous, helping the crew. Reading. Learning to play piano. Improving himself. He’s bringing joy to people as he’s improving. Helps the beggar out, takes him to the hospital he passes away. Nurse, “sometimes people just die.” Later scene, feeding him soup. Beggar passes away again, giving him mouth to mouth. Phil is doing profound news cast. Saves a boy falling from a tree. Changes a tire for a group of old ladies. Saves a man in a restaurant.
Phil is playing piano at a party for the town. He’s got on sunglasses, playing it cool. Rita is mesmerized. He’s enjoying his life. They’re dancing. All these people are thanking Phil for helping them. Rita, “What did you do today?” Phil, “Same old, same old.” He’s becoming humble. She wins him in the bachelor auction. Ice sculpture, “I know your face so well, I could have done it with my eyes closed.”
The clock flips over 6 am. The announcers start. Rita reaches over and shuts off the radio. He’s giddy. Looks out the window. The town is covered in snow. It’s a new day.
<div>
</div>What are the most profound lines of the movie?
“Watch out for that 1<sup>st</sup> step, it’s a doozey.” Delivered by Ned Ryerson when Phil steps in the giant hole/puddle. Any journey begins with the first step.
“Does Phil feel lucky?” Just before the groundhog pokes his head out.
“What is there is no tomorrow? There wasn’t one today.” Phil on phone after 2<sup>nd</sup> day.
Phil in bowling alley taking to a couple guys, asks why this day over and over again. Man at Bar says, “Some people would say this glass is half empty. Some would say the glass is half full. I think you’re the glass is half empty kind of a guy.”
Driving the drunk guy, Phil, “What would it mean if there was no tomorrow?” “No tomorrow? It would mean there are no consequences, no hangovers, we could do whatever we wanted.” Phil runs over a mail box, a cop sees him and comes after him. Phil starts to outrun the cop, drives backward and then onto the railroad tracks. Train comes. He veers off just in time. “I’m not going to live by their rules anymore.” Phil, “You make choices and then you live with them.” Phil crashes car, cops surround him. Phil gets thrown in jail.
In café, “I don’t worry about anything anymore. I don’t even have to floss.”
He’s maniacal, feeling trapped. Phil, “There’s no way out.”
Phil, “I’m a god, I’m not the God. But I’m a god.” He recounts to Rita all the ways he dies and he wakes up every day. “I’m an immortal.” Rita challenges him, he’s not a god. Phil introduces her to everyone in the diner and knows things about each person. He tells her everything about her, all her secrets and lovely things about her. “I wake up here every day on Feb 2<sup>nd</sup> and there’s nothing I can do about it.”
Phil to Rita, “The worst part is tomorrow you’ll have forgotten all about this and you’ll treat me like a jerk again.”
“I’ve killed myself so many times, I don’t even exist anymore.”
Rita, “Maybe it’s not a curse. Maybe it depends on how you look at it.”
Phil, “No matter what happens and for the rest of my life, I’m happy now. Because I love you.” Rita, I think I’m happy too. They have a genuine kiss. It starts to snow.
“Do you know what today is? Today is tomorrow. It happened. You’re here.”
“If there anything I can do for you today?”
“It’s so beautiful! Let’s live here.” They run off down the snowy street.
<div>
</div>How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
Phil has learned that selflessness and thinking of others as well as accepting the world as it is can lead to a life filled with friendship, caring and love. That beauty is all around, you just need to look for it. He becomes the glass is half full kind of guy.
<div>
</div>What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
Live each day with generosity, kindness and see the beauty in all things.
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What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
The change is about Phil coming from being a narcistic cynical self centered individual who lives in his own bubble to becoming an altruistic giving and ultimately loving person who sees himself as part of a larger community. He learns to see outside of just himself and through it experiences true love for perhaps the first time.
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 is in many ways the exact opposite of him at first. She is the right one because he realizes deep inside that she is the love of his life, but he most change in order to earn her love in return. She is the goal that ultimately gives him a reason to keep going.
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. His flawed yet funny character and hatred of Groundhog Day in this small town is the perfect recipe for a person that has room to grow in this scenario.
What is the Oppression?
The repeating day.
How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
The premise itself holds so much weight for the audience to want to be a part of this journey. We are entertained by the antics yet allured by the centralized love story between Phil and Rita. Will he get out of this loop? Will he ever get to be with Rita? We are constantly on his journey. We want to see him change and are laughing all the while we see him go through this.
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:
The old way is looking at Phil’s life through pessimism. He is cynical and thinks he’s better than everything that is around him. He is ungrateful for all the things and people he encounters. He lives on an isolated island.
The new way is an optimistic viewpoint. He lets go of his past, his fears, he sees the positive around him, appreciating both the small and big things. He learns to be grateful for life and to be giving to others.
What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
The gradient of change is all the many days he spends over and over again. There’s a wave of up and down moments that spike up then down then up again. These days form an emotional texture of sorts that define this change as a whole.
How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
Phil learns that conning is way through life is not the right answer. Using Rita as a barameter, he slowly is challenged in seeing that all his old ways of dealing with things will never get him closer for her to truly be with him. On a larger level he realizes that he will never truly achieve happiness with this old way of thinking. In order to truly be happy, he must give up his old values and learn to accept new ones.
What are the most profound moments of the movie?
The bed scene with Rita when she is half asleep and he reveals his love for her.
The old man who will die no matter what Phil does to try to stop it from happening.
What are the most profound lines of the movie?
Rita tells Phil “I could never love someone
like you, Phil, because you’ll
never anyone but yourself.”
Phil tell Rita “I’m happy now
Cause I love you”
How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
Everything culminates so perfectly to him waking up to Rita finally on the next day. The audience has gone on this long journey to come to this very satisfying conclusion that is so well earned. Phil has gone through what seems to be a lifetime of days filled with so many emotions and lessons learned that the ending is very earned for him.
What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
Choose to embrace life to the fullest with positivity and love.
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Andrea Cabañas, Analysis of Groundhog Day.
I learned how gratifying it is to see a movie with different eyes, discovering details that I had never paid attention to while watching a movie.
1. What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
From being an egocentric and arrogant weatherman to being someone who cares for people and can find love.
2. Lead characters:
Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change? <i style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Rita. Unknowingly, Phil always tries to allure/impress her but fails, but in the end, he realises he falls for her and starts doing the right thing.
Who is the Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey? <i style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>I think the old man, the beggar, helps him with his transformation when he ‘dies twice’.
What is the Oppression? The repetition of the day over and over.
3. How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
We see Phil’s struggles daily; slightly, he changes some behaviours, but when we believe he’s getting better, he gets worse, his ego is bigger, and he still behaves in his old ways.
He tries to tell Rita, who doesn’t believe in him;
We also see Rita’s changes and cheer for him to change, but he fails.
He tries to kill himself a few times and feels miserable.
After the death of the beggar, his change is somewhat instant.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, from being egocentric and arrogant to someone who cares about others and can love someone.
5. What is the gradient of the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
Phil tries to do different things but in better ways; i.e. as he got stuck on this day, he starts taking advantage of it to become a better man.
6. How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause the main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
Every time he meets the same person on his way, his patience is challenged, and he needs to discover how to deal with it.
His arrogance, believing he’s the best in everything and the only one who matters.
When alluring Rita and she says something he hasn’t heard, he gives her the wrong line and everything changes.
When he asks Rita that he wants to talk seriously, she replies, “I don’t know, can you?”
He asks her to slap him on his face and she does without thinking twice.
When asking Rita about the man of her dreams, she describes someone completely different.7. What are the most profound moments of the movie?
When Phil tries to tell Rita what’s going on with him, she doesn’t believe him.
She almost constantly tells him subliminally that he’s egocentric through a few dialogues (when he wants to have a more serious conversation with her)
When he notices and helps the beggar for the first time and starts caring for him. When he dies for the second time, Phil tries to revive him.
Rita believes in him for the first time, and after the bet, they go to his room, and she decides to stay—it seems that she was the one who made the change at that moment.
When he wakes up at the end, Rita is with him.8. What are the most profound lines of the movie?
Sir Walter Scott’s poem.
The radio guys: “Will Phil gonna come out to see his shadow?”
Phil to Rita and Larry in the cafe: “I’m not going back to Pittsburg” (he knows he won’t).
Phil to the psychiatry: “There won’t be tomorrow.”
9. How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
Phil finally learns that he needs to be humble and take advantage of this ‘curse’ in a better way, which in the end, helps him.
While he was still doing the wrong things (slapping Ned, not paying attention to the beggar, trying to lure women, still being arrogant), he would get stuck on February 2nd. The moment he became humble, even Rita changed, falling for him and changing the course of the story for a happy ending.10. What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
To love someone, you must be true to yourself (and humble).
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What I learned from this movie:
What I learned is: ‘Profound truths’ are abstractions, but concrete actions bring them to life. Was the profound truth of Groundhog Day ‘if you don’t like your life, change it? Or was it ‘you make choices and you live with them,’ or was it ‘be nice and happiness will come your way?’ The profound truth is a stew of those concepts, not one, hard-core dictate like “follow the rules.”
1. The Change: frnom arrogant, narcissist to Renaissence man.
2. Change Agent: Rita.
Transformed character: Phil Connor.Oppression: Every day is Feb 2.
3. Audience lured by: The idea that work is the same every day as manifested by the funny, repeated, Feb. 2nd, 6 a.m. alarm clock.
4. Who changed the most: Phil Connor did.
The profound journey is: from seeing every day as the same to making every day different by his actions.
Old ways: Being sarcastic, condescending, arrogant to everyone, taking life-threatening risks, rejecting all rules.
New ways: Being helpful (changing a tire), learning new things (piano), laughing, dancing,
5. Life-changing steps: First, taking his ‘there is no tomorrow’ attitude to the extreme by driving on railroad tracks, using his knowledge of the day’s events to rob a Brink’s truck, rent a Rolls Royce, dress like a cowboy and, then, trying to woo Rita by anticipating her every move–but it fails. She sees his actions as a set-up and slaps him.
It all wears him out, and he knows he has a problem. (“I’ve come to the end of me,” he says.) He drives off a cliff, and he sits in a bathtub with a toaster.
Then, he tries a new approach–being nice. He brings coffee to his co-workers, talks to the Guy-in-the-Hallway, starts piano lessons, does ice sculpting, jokes charmingly with the Insurance Agent Ned Ryerson, and fights for the healthcare of an unhomed man (whose death upsets him).
Finally, he gives a philosophical and touching weather report, saves a kid from falling out of a tree, fixes a flat tire for three older women, buys insurance from Ned, does the Heimlich maneuver for a man, plays piano at the Groundhog Celebration and sculpts Rita’s face in ice. He has changed, and Rita sees it.
6. What changed him: having Rita reject his arrogant advances (even though he spilled his truth when he said, “What I really want is someone,” and “I want kids.”). He was hurt when she told him “this is a set-up.” He knew his game wasn’t working.
7 and 8. Profound Moments: a. “What if you were stuck in one place, every day the same, nothing matters” (And the locals say “That sums it up for me.” So funny.) And after that, “We can do anything we want!”
b. Driving with the locals and yelling the rules he breaking/broken: “Don’t drive drunk. Be nice to your sister. Stand up straight.”
c. When he realizes he is broken: “I’m at the end of me.”
d. When Rita says, “It depends on how you look at it.”
e. When he declares his love of Rita while she sleeps.
9. The payoff for the setup: He loves his job; people like him; he loves Rita, and she loves him.
10. The Profound Truth is: “Your attitude makes the difference in life. Everyone’s life has boring, repetitive parts; you have to add joy, fun, and love to it.
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