Lesson 1

[William Weeks]

REFLECTIONS ON GROUNDHOG DAY
REFLECTIONS ON GROUNDHOG DAY

Bill Weeks

A self-absorbed prima donna, bored with his work and his life, transforms from being a selfish individual to being a caring human being who takes action to make a difference in the lives of others.
Change agent: a time itself, which repeats. (To me, the effect would be akin to the eastern belief of reincarnation—with a soul given a chance to repeat and improve. The added gift here, though at first thought to be a curse, was memory of past days/lives).
Transformable character: Phil Connors (Bill Murray) —Rita
Oppression: The character’s sense of being stuck (like so many small townspeople scared to take chances in life)

3) Lured. Phil Connors, like many of us, can get stuck in the tedium of every day life. He points with his hand and says, “I’ll be right here” (nowhere—on a green map). When his replacement says, “I could do the 5:00 show for you,” Phil replies, “Oh, please, you think I want to spend another second in Punxsutawney?” Although he is self-absorbed, he does face boredom with humor—and is not overtly rude to people which allows audience to not count him out entirely. He has some redeeming qualities.

Note re early on attitude: When the newsman is stopped by a blizzard, a cop says, “You can go back to Punxsutawney or go forwards and freeze to death. What’s it gonna be?”
Connors replies, “I’m thinking.”
The same reply Jack Benny gave when a robber held him up and said, “Your money or your life.”

Whenever I heard Sonny and Cher singing, I remembered a time when I was working on the Sonny and Cher show at ABC when Cher hit Sonny with a prop bottle—but followed through which caused a major scratch on his nose. Hopefully that image won’t continue to play in my head eternally.

To me, a telling piece was when he got drunk with two townspeople and asked, “What would you do if you were stuck in one place and the same thing happens over and over?”
One townsperson replies, “That sums it up for me.”
There are many persons who exist in defeated desperation—unable to summon the courage to escape.

4. The old Phil Connors went from being bored with his life, to fearing his strange new condition, to testing it, to attempting to cater to his lusts for money and sex, to despair, to finally discovering what some persons never discover—the joy in making the world a better place for others.
Rita calls him on his egocentrics with a quote from Sir Walter Scott. Phil ‘mistakes’ him for Willard Scott, the former NBC weatherman.
At first, Phil tries to find out about her to impress and seduce Rita—but discovers he truly loves her and could carve her face in ice with his eyes closed.

5. Phil relives Feb. 2nd, 12,395 times (according to someone who must have spent way too much time watching this movie), the equivalent of 33 years. He could not even end it by killing himself.
He saves a kid from falling from a tree (who never thanks him for it), takes piano lessons, saves a young marriage, saves a man from choking to death, and sometimes saves an old man from dying.

6. The belief that we are only happy when we get things for ourselves is challenged. Interesting lesson—and one that many who saw the movie may have missed.

7. Most profound moments: Not sure.
He breaks pencil (thought it should have happened a little later—too soon)
Each time he wakes up—walks past Gobbler’s Knob, and has a new intention
Learns timing of various things—to rob a bank—to save a kid
Gives a fantastic account of the rodent, referring to Chekov’s winter and another cycle of life. Goes from hating the town to wanting to live there.
He finally tells Rita the truth
Wakes up and finds her in bed with him—meaning a change has occurred (TG)

8. Most profound lines:
Wakes up, finds her in bed, and says, “What can I do for you?”
“There’s no consequences!”
Followed by, “If we wanted to hit mail boxes, we could have let Ralph drive.”
(not profound—but I liked it)
“Thought you hated this town.”
“No, it’s beginning to grow on me.”
“I could never love someone like you, Phil, because you only love yourself.”
Slap “That’s for making me care about you.” Repeated slapping.
“Anything different is good.”
“Maybe it’s not a curse. It just depends on how you look at it.”
Monk would say, “It’s a gift, and a curse.” Phil and Rita might say, “It’s a curse, and a gift.”
I listed some I felt were profound ( such as townsperson’s quote, above)

9. Ending pays off? We’re relieved, as is he, that life continues—but now it continues with a person whose eyes have been opened—the way Dickens’ Scrooge’s eyes were finally opened—and which people still don’t understand.

10. Profound truth: We are more whole and happy when we are able to be in service to others.

I used to work out with the director of an awful TV show (She is the Sheriff) or something. I once asked him if he would ever have enough money. He said, “Never.” I felt sorry for him. To never experience having enough. We create our own heaven or hell in so many ways.
It’s possible to have wealth and be happy—but not many wealthy people are.

How relates: I’ve written two novels and 2 screenplays related to the novels. My current historical novel is about the pioneer Chicano activist lawyers who combatted a racist system in the 1960’s and 70’s, and gave us some of the best legal tools for dealing with abusive law enforcement.
Elder Miguel Garcia is sought out by a young magazine writer because her editor wants more depth to her story on Arnoldo Casillas who won a $24 million law suit, by using the Pitchess Motion. The Pitchess Motion was brought about by Garcia’s dogged persistence.
Although her initial motive was to finish her story and get a pay day, the young woman becomes intrigued—learning about both the Pitchess Motion and the Murguia Decision (for Cesar Chavez—which prohibits laws from being enforced in a discriminatory manner)—-and a history of police brutality which many people still have refused to admit into their consciousness today. She changes as Miguel relates the story.
The woman is no longer so interested in the story about how a lawyer could make so much money—but of revealing the history of police violence and the story behind those who were brave enough to face it. The elder Miguel discovers that the fight against those who abuse power never ends, but young persons can benefit by taking up the fight.

[Beverley]

Reflections on Groundhog Day
Beverley Wood
1. The change: From a selfish narcissist who is dismissive and disdainful to an authentic, caring human being
2. Change agent: Interesting question, normally it is a person. In this case, I think it’s the universe trying to tell him
something, plus himself. Once attracted to Rita, he realizes that he needs to change.
The oppression: waking up every day and it’s the same day.
3. What causes us to connect? He’s jaded and selfish, but he is funny and a little self-deprecating, which gives him potential, I think.
4. The old way was him, stuck in his life, doing the same thing every day in his job, wishing for more. Afraid of being passed by perhaps. His new way is one of service to others and of allowing himself to love someone other than himself and finding happiness as a result.
5. Gradient – midpoint, she calls him out on his flaw, then he tries to kill himself. And I wrote down (not sure exactly why) that in death, there are no more chances for him to make up for his bad behavior. When he starts to fall in love with Rita, he realizes he was a jerk. He first gives money to the guy on the corner… he leans into poetry, he takes piano lessons trying to make himself better, the more good deeds he does, the better he feels and he starts to realize how his life can be.
6. How are the old ways challenged? The old ways are challenged by him feeling good about the new ways. Also challenged in his face when Rita calls him on the selfish PR that he is.
7. Most profound moments When they wake up together and it’s the next day. And when he gave that homeless person money, his first act of selflessness. The moment he realizes he was a jerk and he loved her
8. Most profound lines – oops I forgot to write these down but will do better next time.
9. How does ending payoff the setups – The choice of “I got you babe” was interesting, because in the end, he’s got her, babe.
10. Profound Truth: No man is an island, you need other people, you need to love and be loved, you can’t do this alone.

[Diane Keranen]

Diane’s Analysis of Groundhog Day

What I learned doing this assignment is that there are so many instances that build to the final truth. I did not indicate, in my assignment, every instance of a reply to each question, but I expect to continue to work on searching for the many ways to develop the elements of this process.

1. What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
The journey goes from being a phony persona full of bluff and ego to a genuine human who cares about others and wins the love of someone he admires.
For the audience: You can do this too.

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 the producer—she drives Phil’s desire to be appreciative of sincerity
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 the weatherman
o What is the Oppression?
Mundane job and life (Phil’s attitude). He slides right into “the weatherman” persona that bores him and everything and everyone else bores him too.

3. How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
The repeating day that surprises/confuses Phil, we wonder how he will respond to repeated events. Ultimately, we wonder if Phil the weatherman going to see his own dark attitude. He slides right into “the weatherman” persona that bores him and everything and everyone else bores him too. Can he break that habit?
Relatability: Jobs get boring. We can get overly identified with our jobs. We can feel underappreciated at work. We just don’t like everyone.
Intrigue: Reliving the same day. By repeat three, he can predict the day (maybe better than he can predict the weather his/our job). He doesn’t know how to break this trap of repeating days. Wonders aloud, “What would you do if you were stuck in one place and nothing you did mattered?”

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:
Old way: Phil hates that his tv persona is more exciting and appreciated than he is in his life. He can see he has no chance of Rita being attracted to him.
New way: By having genuine interest in others and compassion for other’s concerns, he becomes an interested and interesting person. And lovable.

5. What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
Action gradient: Phil first learns he has the chance to experience “no consequences” and does dumb things like punch Ned and drive on the tracks toward a train “I’m not going to live by their rules anymore,” he says. Smarts off to the police. Is happy to wake up on the same day again.
Psychological gradient: Egocentric Phil is aggravated by everyday things that happen to him. Learns Rita’s interests and likes and then tries to win her over. Kills himself over and over in hopes of ending this day from repeating. Tries to prove he’s “a god” to Rita. She tests his claim. After confessing his true feelings, the next repeated day he’s kind to others.
Emotional gradient: He enjoys it when bad things happen to others. He plays others for fools. He figures out he can learn about Rita in hopes of earning her interest in him. His efforts backfire and she suspects something nefarious in his part. He gives up and goes negative in his assessment of life. He feels this day is going to go on forever. He confesses his repeating day to Rita. He begins to regret that his expression of honest feelings for her will be forgotten on the next day.

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’s egotistical comments are turn-offs to Rita.
He believes he might be able to win her affections.

7. What are the most profound moments of the movie?
His tired report of Punxsutawney Phil being a respected weather reporter.
The realization that the day repeats.
Coming to see that he can predict exactly what will happen.
Starts to learn what Rita wants from her life.
The drink ordering sequence of days where he relives and fine-tunes his interaction with Rita.
When Phil confesses his true feelings for and to Rita.
The series of days with the old man who dies.
His speech about the warm winter among the Punxsutawney people.
The bidding for Phil.

8. What are the most profound lines of the movie?
Rita: “How you can start the day with one kind of expectation and end up with something completely different.”
Phil: “I don’t even like myself.”
Phil: “There is no way 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 has to be stopped. And I have to stop him.”
Phil: “I want you to believe in me.”
Rita: “Maybe it’s not a curse. It depends how you look at it.”
One is not spoken, it’s when Rita wakes up while Phil is telling her what he loves about her, and she says “Did you say something?” And Phil nods with sincerity.
Phil: “It was the end of a very long day. Is there anything I can do for you today?”

9. How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
Phil, having learned to appreciate overcoming his egotistical self, has transformed into a caring person who even wants to live in Punxsutawney.

10. What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
Being a genuinely caring and compassionate person earns more respect than attempting to be a persona that you believe others expect from you.

[mark.napier2022@gmail.com napier]

Groundhog Day Response

We are looking at this movie from the perspective of the change that occurs for the lead character and the audience.
1. What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie? The Change is about how a person needs to be more about selflessness and caring for others–versus being selfish, controlling, self-centered and egotistical that results in time for one to become an abandonment of self (self-worth and self-esteem) and loneliness. The Transformational Journey involves Phil being forced to relive the same day over where at first he is alarmed by what is happening and then he seeks to exploit the opportunity for personal gain as no matter what every day is the same and nothing matters. He takes advantage of others and tries to use it for personal gain financially, sexual exploits and carry out violence against others as he knows he is not held accountable or suffers consequences as he does not have to play by the rules like everyone else. He finally learns a lesson when Rita catches on by accident his scheme and realizes his ulterior motive is not going to work. I think deep down Phil has an interest in Rita, but when he learns he cannot get what he wants. Phil becomes more suicidal, vile and eventually begins to hate himself for the person he is. When he realizes he cannot die he does some sole searching and eventually convinces Rita of his dilemma. Phil starts making efforts to himself within by being considerate of others and learning to speak French, poetry, ice sculpting, and piano playing to genuinely win Rita over. Rita begins to fall for Phil and his popularity grows with the town folks. The most touching is the impact of the Homeless man that he shows kindness to for the first time only to have the guy die. This further pushes Phil to be a better person. In the end, Phil gets the woman he wants, and they live happily ever after in the town he hated at the beginning.
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 Agent I would like to think is Rita as she over time compels Phil to desire her and genuinely fall in love by the end.
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 is the Transformable Character. As described above, Phil is self-centered, selfish, egotistical and thinks only of his self-importance. The cameraman and Rita are likeable vs Phil who is snarky, sarcastic and probably not easy to be around.
o What is the Oppression? The Oppression is Phil’s inability to move forward in a stagnant life of misery. He is not happy with life in general and deep down needs a change of venue.

3. How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story? Many people feel the same way and can relate that their own lives are not moving forward. Perhaps goals are not met, financial restraints and they are not happy in love, work or life in general as they are just trying to survive.
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 Old Ways being selfish, controlling, self-centered and egotistical that results in time for one to become an abandonment of self (self-worth and self-esteem) and loneliness. No matter happens every day is the same and nothing matters as he cannot achieve happiness. The New Way comes about by the profound experiences Phil has of being rejected by Rita who he is having feelings for and strives to legitimately win her over versus using “insider information” from the repeated day before. The death of the Homeless man drove home the point that eventually he cannot cheat death, but for a few times before it catches up and you lose the ones you love.
5. What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing? The Gradient of Change is Phil hating the town at the beginning to wanting to live in the town at the end. Going from selfishness and egotistical to being popular with the community helping people in need by the end was a complete turnaround. Phil was challenged emotionally, tested his values and became a selfless servant to the community by the end using his gift of reliving Groundhog Day until he made a successful transition over in a positive way.
6. How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change? I believe involved Phil’s Old Ways of existing attitude being put through a number of obstacles that caused him to be scared, then take advantage of on a number of fronts, then when it eventually backfires with Rita initially over and over he is pushed further into sadness than what he was at the beginning and rejected. Phil’s journey is bother internal and external emotionally and career/socially as folks like the new Phil. The profound moment of losing the Homeless guy he finally started caring about hit him hard…(I think I heard him call him dad???). The Profound Ending where Rita is still beside him the next morning completed his transformational journey.
7. What are the most profound moments of the movie? The most profound was losing the Homeless man to death as he finally started caring about him and it hit Phil hard…(I think I heard him call him dad???). Phil thought he could wake up and do a redo and that was not the case. Each day presented a new opportunity for Phil to change for the positive. If he did not, then he did not move forward but backwards or have setbacks. The end state of winning Rita over and finally becoming happy in life and truly falling in love with Rita was legitimate. The Profound Ending where Rita is still beside him the next morning completed his transformational journey.

8. What are the most profound lines of the movie?
“Everyday is the same and nothing matters.”
“If you could relive your day what errors would you correct to improve you life”
“Can do what you want and no consequences for your actions…”
Did not accept the Homeless man’s death and Phil makes a remark (I can’t remember), but suggests he can change the outcome tomorrow to that affect. …..
9. How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie? You see Phil’s Internal and External Journeys deliver him from a life that leaves him unhappy and single to finding the woman he loves and resettling in the town he originally hated. Rita’s also goes through her own journey of mostly being lonely and looking for love. Her transformation did not require as much work as Phil’s journey. They cameraman is stuck with the Cougar who needs to be on life support.
10. What is the Profound Truth of this movie? Actions speak louder than words and demonstrating Loyalty, Duty, Honor, Respect, Integrity, Selfless-Service and having the Personal Courage to change makes for a happier outcome in life.

[Christy Bley]

Christy Bley’s analysis of Groundhog Day
What I Learned from doing this Assignment – Day 1
A set up is easier for me to find when I think of it as a prophecy, though it is still the hardest thing. Using The Matrix analysis was an invaluable tool. There’s a lot more to learn.
Ten Questions:
ONE. What is the Change the movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of it?
Going from being the one who hated everybody at every party and vice-versa, who has no enjoyment of life and has no one who enjoys him, to loving life, loving people, and being loved by many plus being the life of the party.
FOR THE AUDIENCE: It may take a lot of punishment to recognize and acknowledge it’s either literal/figurative death, or a change must happen. The rewards: Loving giving to others makes life worthwhile.

TWO. Lead Characters.
Who is the CHANGE AGENT, (the one causing the change), and what makes this the right character to cause the change?
RITA. Why is she the right character-
Don’t know… ANSWER LATER
Who is the TRANSFORMABLE CHARACTER? (The one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this Profound Journey?
PHIL. What makes him so? The enormous focus on his outrageously unpleasant personality singles him out from the regular “normal behaving” people.
We see he understands the lack of empathy he’s showing, but doesn’t care and delivers all with a smile.
OPPRESSION. Phil must live an endless repeat of his detestable, worthy-only-of-sarcasm, same day.

THREE. Connection with audiences. How are we lured into the Profound Journey? What causes us to connect with this story? RELATIVITY.
Phil is so annoying, we want someone to stand up to him.
Rita not only doesn’t let it get to her – at beginning – but chooses to credit him with not doing harm, though biting comments from him are questionably close to abusive.
We see a mighty trait of purposeful kindness in Rita’s generous responses that turn us her way.
We want him to give Rita a chance.
We start looking forward to Phil coming around, as he continues to reap failure of his efforts.
THE ADDITIONAL OPPRESSION of his arrogant way of responding to life leading to lack of fulfillment, and worthless rewards, advances unpleasant life experiences and zero promise of enjoyable time he has left, which might be a forever of quickly ensuing consequences of narcissism.
His emptiness is not filled by any of the things he tries. A lot of people can feel/ relate to his emptiness.
Again, failure can be related to by many “regular/normal” people.
His facial affect is stiff. At times kind of like a mischievous machine.
We’re surprised his face has no immediate normal response/change of expression at meaningful lines.
Bugs us he’s so calculating.
We are stirred to a bit of anger that he’s not soft towards Rita.
So we take sides. Most of us with Rita! Ha Ha!

FOUR. “Old” ways vs “New” ways. Looking at the characters, who are changed most? What is the Profound Journey? From “old ways to new ways of being”?
PHIL changes the most– Old way – Unsatisfied with everything. Hones his wit criticizing what “normal” people are doing. Obvious fake sweetness in delivery of cutting sarcasm.
Old way – He only had one feeling all the time – DISDAIN.
PHIL – New way –after exploring every possible way to run away from life, nothing left to do, but explore what “normal” people are doing, because he has felt something, an interest in a few things, in fact.
He’s falling further in love with Rita, but doesn’t fully acknowledge it. Already messed it up, probably.
But more and more wanting to EXPLORE it.
We can relate.
We see Phil’s Explorer PERSONALITY TRAIT.
RITA – little by little becomes less palliative to his rude excesses, a growing strength to stand up at the moment that must come. Start to see she’s on the way to tell him he needs to get over himself.

FIVE. What is the GRADIENT OF CHANGE? The Transformation. What steps did the Transformable Character go through as they were CHANGING?
PSYCHOLOGICALLY – Confusion when day starts over again. Everything a surprise.
“I feel weird.”
Doesn’t verbally respond to people, he’s so shocked.

THROUGH ACTIONS –Forced to get physically close to people who are repeating actions. Sees they aren’t aware it’s happening.
Starts to see no repercussions to any of his actions.
Amps up snide remarks.
Does everything he’s been told never to do.
Shows he’s not gonna live by their rules anymore.
Slugs Ned.
Kidnaps Punxsutawney Phil and drives the two of them off the cliff to a fiery death.
Commits suicide many times.
Starts helping people, getting to know Rita.
Becomes piano player, learns many other skills which help others.
EMOTIONALLY
THIS MUST MATCH UP WITH ____ACTIONS?____________ FOR AUDIENCE TO BUY IT?
Pours out his disdain for everything and everybody on nice people of Puxsutawney.
Is shocked, then curious, then believes.
Starts Exploring benefits to him if there’s no tomorrow.
Sees what he can get away with, up to and including robbery, taking advantage of women.
Then begins to have feelings, empathy for others – helps the homeless man.
Helps the little old ladies with their flat tire, hard work he is fulfilled emotionally.
Hedonism falling by the wayside.
Goes pretty far to manipulate Rita into falling for him, tricking her.
The lack of consequences finally not so pleasant, and he seems to be searching for who he really is.

SIX. How is the “old way” challenged?
What are the beliefs that are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective – and make the change?
Slaps.
Every morning starts a new old.
He thinks he can really do anything or say anything he wants without consequences. And does it.
Eventually, good starts welling up in him from getting to know people.

SEVEN. What are the MOST PROFOUND MOMENTS IN THE MOVIE?
The day starts with a clock of doom.
He knows all the answers on Jeopardy – before they finish asking the question.
Snowball fight over-the-top enthusiasm – voice so very desperate.

EIGHT. What are the MOST PROFOUND LINES IN THE MOVIE
“All you care about is yourself.” “I don’t even like myself!”
“You tricked me! It’s been one big setup!”
She slaps him. “That’s for making me care about you!”
RITA
You’re missing all the fun!”
RITA
You couldn’t plan for a perfect day like this!
PHIL
Well, you can, it just takes an awful lot of work.”

NINE. How does the ENDING PAYOFF THE SETUPS?
There are a lot of setups Phil pulls to get a girl. He snoops.
He is practically stalking Rita, and she gets wise.
I think he has never loved anyone. Wall of sarcasm – we don’t know where it came from.
SETUP___He’s gonna drop that tray full of dishes_________________________________
PAYOFF___!CRASH!_________________________________
SETUP__The day goes on forever. Finaly, Phil calms down, has seen sweet life He falls asleep being nice.
PAYOFF_ _When he wakes, it’s not Groundhog Day anymore__________________________________
I need to work on this question further.

TEN. WHAT IS THE PROFOUND TRUTH OF THIS MOVIE?
Possibly this was an important lesson FOR ME TO LEARN!
DAY TO DAY LIFE IS NOT ABOUT ENDURING AND COMPLAINING, IT IS ABOUT ENJOYING LIVING, HELPING OTHERS BY BEING KIND AND GENEROUS WITHOUT HOLDING OTHERS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING YOUR LIFE COMFORTABLE AND WITHOUT ANNOYANCE.

[Mitch Haraguchi]

1. What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
This movie is about the inner journey of the main character Phil. He changes internally through a series of strange experiences.

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 don’t know if there is anyone who may have changed Phil. Rita is the only character that is written deeply enough to cause the change, but to me, she does not seem to cause the change. Rather, the change agent is a particular event that happens to Phil.

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 the right character because he is selfish and doesn't care about anyone. Also, he does not appear to appreciate anything in his life.

What is the Oppression?
The parallel world where Phil is stuck.

3. How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
;The first 15 minutes of the movie was spent to introduce the persona of Phil (character development) and it is very boring. Nothing interesting happens. Probably, it was intended to be boring. However, once Groundhog Day repeats, the story starts rolling and the movie got me hooked.

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:
Actually Phil is the only one who changed. He changes from an egocentric man to someone who cares about others (this transformation reminds me of classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “Christmas Carol”).

5. What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
The repeated similar, but slightly different experiences and people Phil meets are the gradients.

6. How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
Before “transformation,” he was egocentric and paid no attention to others. He was simply not interested in others including his colleague Rita. Then, through those inevitable events that repeat forever, Phil was forced to learn other people’s lives, which he gradually appreciates. For example, if you meet a person (e.g., old man) just once, you can just ignore him/her. However, if you repeatedly (literally every day) meet the same people, you are forced to know these people. You cannot simply ignore them any more.

7. What are the most profound moments of the movie?
The moment when Phil realized that he was completely helpless, being even unable to kill himself.

8. What are the most profound lines of the movie?
”Today is tomorrow.”

9. How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
Phil decided to live in a town he used to hate with a person he used to pay no interest to.

10. What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
People can endure the hardship of today because tomorrow always comes. However, you should not take it for granted. Some people (like Phil) can’t appreciate today and embrace life, until they are robbed of their future (tomorrow).

• This reply was modified 9 months, 2 weeks ago by  Mitch Haraguchi.

[Sandee Magliozzi]

🙃”Groundhog Day”

1. The Change and Transformational Journey

The change in “Groundhog Day” is about Phil Connors, a cynical and self-centered weatherman, transforming into a thoughtful, caring, and altruistic person. The transformational journey is Phil’s repeated day, which forces him to confront his flaws and gradually change his approach to life and the people around him.

2. Lead Characters

Change Agent: The repeating day itself acts as the change agent. This supernatural or existential mechanism forces Phil to reevaluate his life and choices repeatedly.
Transformable Character: Phil Connors is the character who undergoes the transformation. His initial selfishness and cynicism make him the perfect candidate for this profound journey, as his character has much room for growth.
Oppression: The oppression is the repetition of the same day—Groundhog Day—which traps Phil in an endless loop, preventing him from moving forward in life until he changes.

3. Engagement in the Journey

We are lured into Phil’s journey by the intriguing premise of living the same day over and over. The comedic and philosophical undertones of how Phil deals with this bizarre situation—ranging from frustration and despair to acceptance and innovation—draw viewers into a deeper connection with the story.

4. Profound Journey

Old Way: Phil’s old way is characterized by egotism, superficial relationships, and a disregard for others’ feelings.
New Way at the Conclusion: By the end, Phil becomes caring, engages genuinely with people, finds joy in helping others, and forms a meaningful relationship with Rita.

5. Gradient of Change

Phil’s change progresses through stages:
Denial and Confusion: Initially, Phil is bewildered and tries to ignore the situation.
Exploitation: He uses the repetition for personal gain and indulgence.
Depression: Phil becomes despondent, realizing he cannot escape the loop.
Acceptance and Growth: He starts using his time to learn new skills, help others, and improve himself.

6. Challenge to the Old Way

Phil’s beliefs about self-sufficiency and cynicism are challenged by the ineffectiveness of his actions to break the cycle. His repeated failures and loneliness compel him to rethink his attitudes and behaviors.

7. Most Profound Moments
Profound moments include Phil’s repeated suicide attempts, his saving of lives, and the final day when all his good deeds align, showcasing his transformation.

8. Profound Lines
“Well, what if there is no tomorrow? There wasn’t one today.”
“It’s not too late. It’s never too late.”

9. Ending Payoff

The ending pays off the setups as Phil finally breaks the cycle after he has transformed into a better person. His last day is spent performing good deeds and genuinely connecting with Rita, proving that he has truly changed.

10. Profound Truth

The profound truth of “Groundhog Day” is that self-improvement and the pursuit of genuine, altruistic happiness are ongoing processes that can fundamentally change how we experience life and relate to others. It suggests that true personal growth can transform our existential conditions, no matter how unchangeable they might seem.

[Angela Booth]

Hi everyone,
1. What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
The lead character has a complete change of perspective with regard to what matters in life. He no longer sees people as “morons” he treats with disdain but learns to appreciate everyone’s value…. eventually!

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?
Time itself is the change agent. By being given the opportunity to relive the same day over and over, he is granted the opportunity to reassess his life choices, attitudes and beliefs over time, and according to his own timetable.
Who is the Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey?
Phil Connors – an arrogant TV weatherman who believes he’s better than his female colleague on the show as well as too good to report on an event that he sees as beneath him and not worthy of his time.
o What is the Oppression?
The curse of waking up on the same day.

3. How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
We are introduced to characters in such a way that we too would want to escape Punxatawny rather than be stuck there. Only over time we get to see the other sides to these people and appreciate what the town and its people have to offer.
We share his anger and confusion at being stuck in time and place which makes us sympathise with his situation.
Phil tries to explain his predicament but no one believes him – we feel some sympathy for him.

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:
Old ways: Disdain, arrogance, contempt for everyone who he sees as being beneath him.
New way: Humble appreciation for everyone by being their authentic self.

5. What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
He amends his certainty of departure from 100% to 80/75% the next day. Already accepting he’s not as sure of himself within just a few hours.
He delivers his TV report with less verve on the second day. On the phone he questions whether there is no tomorrow?
Day 3 – has not time for anyone – angry with the world. Following the steps of grief? Denial, Anger. Still thinks people are morons but at least asks for help – experts – deferring to people he respects.
Bargaining – the day with the girl eating lobster. Wishes he could have that day.
Acceptance – will you hold my room, I think I’m gonna stay another day.

6. How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
Sadly, he starts off using the “no consequences” angle to take advantage of people – first a woman (Nancy), then he steals the money, then he tries to manipulate the producer – finds out about her and completely manipulates her by positioning himself as her perfect man. Quite insidious.
She says no multiple times but he insists on her staying the night. She calls him out and slaps him before leaving. She is the only one who sees through him.
She slaps him multiple times. He is trying to force the universe to comply, but the universe wins – he has not yet learned how to use the time he has for good.
Even when he gives up and sits eating popcorn and watching Jeopardy, he has to show off. Then he becomes angry again and treats people with contempt again.
He’s angry with the universe for not bending to his will.
His suicide attempt is also still selfish.
The next morning he is depressed and despondent – describes trying to die multiple ways etc – believes he is immortal. Still has arrogance and inflated sense of self.
First truly profound moment that shows he is changing his perspective is when he describes her childhood memories and her personality with grace and kindness, finally revealing the truth and his real self. He realises that approaching life differently is a wonderful feeling.

7. What are the most profound moments of the movie?
At the bowling alley – the guy says that the description of reliving a day is the description of his existence. We recognise ourselves in that moment. All of us are stuck doing that same things instead of branching out every day.
Playing Sonny and Cher – there ain’t no mountain we can’t climb.
He gently opens his heart to Rita when she’s nearly asleep, for once being vulnerable without demanding a response or attention. Waking up the next day is the turning point when he realises being open and honest is a better way to live.
He decides to be WORTHY of her respect instead of demanding it. Although he still manipulates people to get what he wants in the beginning – e.g. paying $1000 for the piano lesson.
When the homeless man dies, he realises not everything is within his control. Further humbled. Looks to sky, knows he’s no match for nature.
When Rita starts to believe him, he admits to being not that smart, and from that moment the time they spend together after that is based on a genuine relationship.

8. What are the most profound lines of the movie?
What if there is no tomorrow? – on the phone on Day 2
I don’t worry about anything any more
I thought you hated this town – No, it’s beginning to grow on me.
I’ve killed myself so many times I don’t even exist any more.
Only God can make a tree

9. How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
On his most perfect day, he is praised for being kind, selfless, generous etc, and he becomes the big fish in the small town, which is a million miles away from his previous desire to be a big fish in the city. His graceful (really?) thanks is met with the universe releasing him from the cycle.

10. What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
Only when actions come from the heart, from altruistic kindness, and when we endeavour to become our best selves, can we experience life fully and be gifted what we most we most desire.

[Kelvin Garvanne]

Kelvin Garvanne: Analysis of GROUNDHOG DAY
1.The change in GROUNDHOG DAY is the realization that a day can make a difference in an individual’s life and in the lives of others that an individual touches. The song, “What A Difference A Day Makes” could have very well been played every morning at 0600. Coming to the realization that the choices a person makes in a day are life changing is the transformational journey of Pittsburgh television weatherman Phil Connors.
2. Rita, the up and coming news segment producer, is the change agent in Phil’s journey. Phil is the sarcastic, narcissistic, and cynical transformable character. He is reminiscent of Ebenezer Scrooge in the film A Christmas Carol.
3. We are lured in to the story because Phil is introduced and then his cold personality is posed next to Rita, his warm up and coming foil. The audience is told she wants to spend time in Punxsutawney, PA. after Groundhog Day to capture the charm of the place and people.
4. Phil belittes people, ” people are morons”, and their position, “for your information there is a major network interested in me.” as soon as we meet him. He ridicules Rita, people who eat blood sausage, and mutters to the bed and breakfast waitress that she probably can’t spell espresso or cappucino. Philis pretensious along with his other character flaws. Phil begins to consider what is really imporant to him after he realizes he is imprisoned in a day and there must be something more to what he is choosing to do. Phil evolves from being self absorbed to considering how he can be a positive force in other people’s lives. He learns piano, studies French poetry, makes ice sculptors, saves a young boy ho falls from a tree, and even has compassion for a man who lives on the street.
5. Initially Phil enjoyed the things that satisfied his flesh; sex, food, booze, and tobacco. Then he realize he wanted something more. I made of the story in my mind that he succumbed to the reality that life had more meaning than just loving himself but he desired someone else to love; authentically and deeply.
6. Until Phil considered the enormous value of each day he was bored and considered killing himself. He already had sex with a few women, stolen some money and bought material things, and consumed things that had no consequence on his long term health.
7. The moment Phil sees Rita he recognizes the only way she would be interested in him if he fell out of love wth himself. Phil falls out of love with himslef so others would care for him and ultimately she could love him. The most profound moments of the film include when Phil decides to learn piano and study poetry when the old man who lives on the street dies, and when he sculpts Rita’s face out of snow.
8. ” She’s fun but not my kind of fun”, “People are moron.” ” I have missed you so much, I don’t know where your head is at but can you call in sick.” and “Sometimes people just die(nurse) and Phil says, “Not today.” The next day Phil quotes Chekhov and shares a report that is almost an elegy.
9. When Phil takes piano, when he stops trying to have one night stands, when he asks Rita for help. Phil must be vulnerable and sincere when he explains his dilemma. Later, when he explains to Rita he has errands and then executes a series a series of compassionate actions I understood how he was manifesting his transformation.
10. You can only receive true love when you are willing to love more than yourself.

[Kelvin Garvanne]

The Oppression Phil experiences is narcissism, self love. His primary goal was to be “talent”, to experience celebrity, to be the object of adulation. The first time Ned approached Phil Phil he was a fan and said, ” thanks for watching.”

[Natalie Hawkins]

Ground Hog Day Analysis – by Natalie

What I learned from having this assignment are some things about the film: Bill Murray was going through a divorce, it sounds like he hated the movie when it was finished, and he didn't speak again to the Director Ramis for 20 years, until near Ramis's death. According to Wikipedia, Bill Murray wanted the script to go in different directions at times. He was very interested in the philosophical aspects. Chevy Chase, Micheal Keaton, and Tom Hanks were considered for the lead. Hanks and Keaton turned it down. IMDB score 8/10.

What I learned from doing the assignment – seeing an example of how comedy and profound were put together.

1. CHANGE – Phil Connors needs to gain Rita's approval and love interest, which requires him to grow as a person, and become more interested in and considerate of others. This translates to Phil needing to find Happiness.

2. Lead Characters – Phil is the one stuck in the loop, and he needs to change apparently to get out of it, we don't know for sure, versus, say, there's just a fixed number of iterations, or he just has to wait for someone to fix a "bug". He's trying to figure out how to get out of it. We don't know why he's in the loop. When he's in it, at one point he says that he is a God, though not The God. The oppression keeping Phil down and in the loop is his unhappiness.

3. Connect – we connect because it's a mystery, how is he gonna get out? Will he get out?

4. Old Way: Phil is an unhappy sourpuss. New Way: Phil is enjoying life, learning new things, connecting with people, helping them to enjoy themselves too.

5. Steps: Phil practices getting things right with people – their interests and tastes, and he tries several suicide methods to get out.

6. Phil found that suicide would not get him out. Every day was cold and gray, and so he tried a new approach, maybe accepting that he was stuck potentially forever.

7. Most profound moments: I liked his conversation with the locals at the bar, and some of his chats w/Rita, where the profound lines come out.

8. Most profound lines:
Rita: Is this what you do with eternity?
Phil: That is not true, I do not even love myself.
Phil: Why did I not get THAT (awesome) day?
Phil: What if there is no tomorrow? What if nothing I ever did mattered?

9. The ending demonstrates a complete change of mind by Phil, as he happily says, Look it is beautiful, Lets stay here!, since he did not want to go there in the first place, and he was trying like heck to get out of there.

10. Profound Truth of the movie: Unhappiness is not worth it. Does it matter if what you do matters?

• This reply was modified 9 months, 2 weeks ago by  Natalie Hawkins.
• This reply was modified 9 months, 2 weeks ago by  Natalie Hawkins.
• This reply was modified 9 months, 2 weeks ago by  Natalie Hawkins.
• This reply was modified 9 months, 2 weeks ago by  Natalie Hawkins.