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Lesson 1
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18 Replies
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Jenn Q’s Analysis of Groundhog Day
What I learned doing this assignment is:
• The two main characters are truly perfect in their roles. If Phil started off nicer, or if Rita wasn’t as particular and perceptive as she is, the movie wouldn’t have been nearly as profound. It was because Phil had so long to go from jerk to genuine human being, and Rita was so discerning that she wouldn’t fall for flattery, only for a genuinely good man, that the movie worked as well as it did.
• Despite all the profound movement along the way, it was still wickedly funny and entertaining.
• This was a really good use of this premise – the writers really went all out, exploring the vast array of different things Phil could try having infinite time stuck in a day that repeats with no consequences. And it wasn’t until he’d exhausted all the cheap and easy stunts (running from cops, punching Ned in the face, manipulating women into sleeping with him, stealing cash…) that he started to suffer an existential dread of being trapped in a world without consequences and, therefore, without obvious meaning. This is when the real change starts to take place, of course, he starts to give his own life meaning, building what he can build given the circumstances. Learning, growing, paying attention, making others feel good because he has the power to do so.
What is the CHANGE this movie is about?
This movie is about forging genuine connection.What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
Phil goes from being a self-centered narcissist, to becoming genuinely invested in the lives of others and – because of this – finally finding peace and happiness in his own life.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: it is because of her that Phil finally starts changing himself internally. She’s the right character to cause the change because:
• Phil is instantly attracted to her – at first for surface reasons (she’s pretty) then later for deeper reasons (what she values, who she is)
• She is not a push-over: when Phil tries to get her into bed deceitfully, she recognizes it and slaps him (over and over again)
• She is a worthy love interest, but he will have to become worthy of her before they can unite.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. He is the right character to deliver this profound journey for many reasons:
• He’s a narcissist who is first only concerned with fulfilling his own needs who grows into caring for others
• He is funny, so even when he’s a jerk we’re entertained watching him
• He’s smart, he tries EVERYTHING he can think of (from pretending to be the perfect guy for Rita, to trying to kill himself) to control his situation, only giving in and genuinely transforming when he has no options left
• Once he begins to change, and genuinely becomes invested in other peoples’ lives, we root for him because we can see the change is realWhat is the Oppression?
Ground Hog Day – a day that repeats over and over and over no matter what Phil does to try and stop it.How are we lured into the profound journey?
• We see the same things happening, but Phil responds differently, causing subtle changes – at first acting out his own frustrations, but later on trying to help the people he’s grown to know over time.
• There’s an aspect of wish fulfillment that the story exploits: from getting away with whatever you want to, to “hacking” people’s relationships to make them think they know you, to spending however long it takes to master piano, learn French, read, grow…
• We watch Phil go from being a jerk to someone who takes pleasure going around helping people and making others happy – which he genuinely seems to enjoy, not for what it does for him but for how he’s able to turn things around for them. He knows there’s no consequnces, he could continue being a jerk and getting away with it, but he starts being a decent human being because that is the life that he would rather be living… and over time, living that life makes it real.What causes us to connect with this story?
Some of the moments that really impacted me:
• When he starts helping the old homeless man, and – upon learning the man died – tries over and over to save him before finally realizing that death is part of life. But through this journey to acceptance, he came to appreciate life in a new way.
• When he starts using his time to grow and learn, piano, ice-sculpting, “doctoring” (both helping the choking man and fixing another man’s back)
• Watching as his connection to the town grows and deepens – the moment when he takes Rita around and introduces everyone in the diner (including the young couple who might not get married, whom he later helps resolve their doubts)Looking at the character(s) who are changed the most, what is the profound journey from “old ways” to “new way of being.”
Phil changes the most, and his profound journey goes from being self-obsessed and seeking only what will benefit him no matter who it hurts, to this one amazing day where he helps even knowing it will all be forgotten tomorrow (so he doesn’t benefit from this personally).What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing (gradient of change)?
He changes step by step in the following way:
• Resenting being stuck in this town.
• Disbelief and frustration that the day keeps repeating.
• Realizing he can use this to get women to sleep with him, steal money, avoid consequences for his actions.
• Realize his life has no meaning, and decides to end it… over and over and over to no avail
• Start accepting that this is his life for real.
• Start using this to better himself for real… learning music, reading, ice sculpture, and also getting more invested in the town.
• Becoming the kind of person who helps others because he wants to, not because it will get him anything in return
• Becoming the kind of man that Rita genuinely falls in love with.How is the “old way” challenged?
No matter what he does to win Rita over (memorizing all her interests and gaming the system to fake a connection), it’s not until he starts changing himself that he starts forging a real connection to her.What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
A life without consequences is at first intoxicating, then alienating – if nothing you do matters, than the only thing that matters is what you choose to do. There is no tomorrow, so Phil can’t climb the corporate ladder – his life is one day at a time and the only thing moving forward with him is what he’s learned. So he devotes himself to growing and learning and in the process, becomes a better man.What are the most profound moments of the movie?
• The death of the homeless man shows Phil that there are real-life consdquences for those around him… they’re not playthings.
• Introducing Rita to everyone in the diner – he’s invested the time and energy to get to know each of them for real,
• The moment in the upstairs hallway of his bed and breakfast, when he engages with the other guest, making him feel really great about the day.
• When he is in the bachelor’s auction – and he’s so popular with everyone, we see he’s made a real connection in the town. And then, Rita bids everything in her wallet to get him herself – something she never would have done for the old Phil.
• Then the moment when he wakes up after their night together, and she’s still with him. The day has finally progressed to tomorrow, and he’s going to go forward with Rita as his love for real.What are the most profound lines of the movie?
• Phil: “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: “Something is different.” Rita: “Good or bad?” Phil: “Anything different is good.”How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
We’ve been waiting for the whole movie to hear something different on the radio – and when the same song plays we think oh no! But then the talking heads say something different, and Rita is still there, and Phil looks out to see the crowd is gone. But the biggest change is the way Phil treats Rita, and how he’s genuinely grateful for her, the town, his life, and their future.What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
It’s not until you care more about what happens to others than you care about your self that you will truly understand love.~ end of assignment
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The Most Profound Moment in Movie History?
I found this video on YouTube I thought was worth watching. It’s 22 mins.
I don’t know if I can post a link, but you can search YouTube for the title above.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75PSfkcGHY0
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Sandra’s Analysis of Groundhog Day
What I learned doing this assignment is that analyzing this movie helped me see below the surface and see the transformational journey and profound moments. I wasn’t fond of this movie before, however I actually like it now thanks to this assignment!
1. What is the change this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
The change is about a man living a self-centered, shallow, negative life to becoming a positive and genuinely caring person. It’s a spiritual journey of discovering loving kindness and connecting to his true self.2. Lead characters:
Who is the Change Agent? Rita
Who is the Transformational Character and what makes them right for the journey?
Phil, a self-centered weatherman going from being bitter, sarcastic and negative to being kind, helpful and caring.What is the Oppression? Groundhog Day repeating
3. How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
The expectation that Phil will change and become a nice guy and more loving.4. Looking at the character(s) who are changed the most, what is the profound journey? From “old ways” to “new ways”? Phil learns the new ways bring him more happiness and the old ways just bring more of the same old unhappiness.
Identify the old way: Self-centered, sarcastic, unkind, bitter, lonely
Identify the new way at the conclusion: kind, generous, helpful, caring
5. What is the gradient of change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
-He becomes aware that something is wrong and that he is the only one reliving Groundhog’s Day.
-He questions why this is happening to him.
-He’s not sure if it’s physical, mental, emotional, or psychological.
-He tries manipulating situations the old way and it backfires.
-He learns how doing nice things for others pays off.
-He takes risks when he learns there won’t be lasting consequences.
-He tries to end the repeating by taking his life, but it doesn’t work.
-He learns the difference between manipulating situations and others and how to be genuine.
-He learns the importance of loving someone other than himself.
-He learns the importance of building relationships.6. How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective and make the change? That his old self doesn’t believe he deserves Rita. That he shifts to become Rita’s perfect man.
7. What are the most profound moments of the movie?
-When Phil doesn’t step into the puddle in the street and walks around it
-Phil’s ice sculpture of Rita
-Helping his homeless father and others
-When Phil professes his love for Rita8. What are the most profound lines of the movie?
-Watch out for that first step, it’s a doozey.
-How you start the day with one perception and end it with something completely different.
-What would you do if you were stuck in one place and everyday was exactly the same and nothing mattered?
-What if there were no tomorrow? We could do what we wanted.
-I’m not going to live by their rules anymore.
-Egocentric, it’s your defining characteristic.
-If you only had one day to live, what would you do?
-What do you want out of life?
-I’m a God. You’re not a God.
-I don’t know Phil, maybe it’s not a curse. It’s how you look at it.9. How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
That Phil is transformed from a negative jerk to a nice guy who has fallen in love with Rita.10. What is the Profound Truth of this movie? Helping and loving others brings true happiness. Giving liberates the soul of the giver. An act of kindness is who we really are. Kindness expresses the gentleness of the soul.
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Paul P’s analysis of Groundhog Day.
What I learned doing this assignment.
1. What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
Lead characters: The Change – Phil going from a self centered ego driven character doing a 180% metamorphosis into a person who has respec for himself, cares for others and recognises the value of ones life and sharing it in a way which benefits all who comes into contact with him.
2. Phil is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change? Phil has so many horrible traits. Litterly a walking ego machine who cant help but ruin every encounter with a fellow human being he has.
3. Rita is the Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey? Rita is somewhat tolerant of Phil’s rhetoric because he’s the “Talent” and she needs him to deliver on the job. She has all the likable traits and Phil is interested. She doesn’t succumb to his cheap antics and is pure of heart. The exact opposite of Phil.
4. Ground Hog Day is the Oppressor.
5. How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story? As an audience we can relate to job assignments that seem mundain and can understand Phil’s dilemma. We are lured into the story with how he tries to figure out what “not to do” in order to survive. We enthusiastically watch how he reacts differently to evey situation until he finds his humanity.
6. 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 changes the most. His profound journey is living the same day over and over again until he becomes a better human being. In the beginning he is a horrible person only concerned with his immediate self. People he encounter tollerate him at best. In the end, Phil’s actions bring out the very best in everyone he encounters. He has blossomed into a wonderful, humble person who spreads his love to all, especailly with Rita.
Rita is a bit guarded as she trys to accomidate Phil in order to produce her small news segement. She is clearly a very nice person with strong values and a moral cumpass. Her charater doesn’t really change in my opinion. She is purely reactive and responds to honest interest to Phil once he presents himself with honor and dignity.
7. What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
Phil’s character:
unatached and self centered
caniving and cheap
heartless and uncaring
hopeless and suicidal
slightly concerned and slightly interested
God like
able to react to humanity in a possative way
trying to save his “father”
giving back and caring for those who are in need around him8. How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
The Old way is challenged when it doesn’t procure the desired results. Phil hates himself and is misserable in his current life. He finds cheap thrills makeing others feel small and worthless. He is in love and wants to be loved. Only when he finds that he must become a better person to earn Rita’s love does the world around him begin to change.9. What are the most profound moments of the movie?
Waking up to the same day.
The puddle. He finally steps around
Discovering he can manipulate his world There are no rules.
Learning new things. Playing piano, French poetry, ice carving
Multiple suicide attempts until he realizes he cannot win.
Love isn’t a word you say to get sex.
Building relatonships is important.
Saving the choking steak eater.
Trying to save his “Father” figure.
Becoming part of the community.
Bringing coffee and pastries to his crew, finding a better spot to film. Asking his camera man what he thinks.
Winning Rita’s love by not trying to sleep with her.10. What are the most profound lines of the movie?
I don’t remember any profound lines.
11. How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
Every character that Phil has wronged has been changed in a positive way by Phil. He has learned how to be a respectable person who gives back to the community and has finally won the love and respect of Rita and his cameraman as well as the whole town
12. What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
Find Love and respect yourself and you will be respected and loved by others. -
Margaret’s Analysis of Groundhog Day
What I learned: The components of the profound model and how to analyze a movie utilizing these components.
1. What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
Phil Connors goes from being a self-absorbed, ego-centric journalist to being able to sincerely ask, “Is there anything I can do for you today?”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 is the producer, Andie. She is the right person for the change because he wants to have a relationship with her and he can only accomplish this if he changes.o Who is the Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey? The Transformable Character is Phil Connors, a journalist. He is the right character since he is not only deeply in need of change but he experiences the day over and over, giving him a chance to practice and discover how to change.
o What is the Oppression? The oppression is the experience of the day over and over and Andie’s resistance to his overtures for a relationship.
3. How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story? We see his drive to get ahead and his disdain for what he feels is beneath him, common to many people
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: Arrogant, Proud, Sarcastic, “Prima Dona”, Egocentric
New Ways: Cares for others, Protects others, Listens to others.5. What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
1. Curiosity – Asks others “What do you want out of life?” “Is this what love is for you?”
2. Starts to Care – “What do you want out of life?” Saves boy falling from tree.
3. Gives up something of himself – Gives $ to beggar, resuscitates homeless man
4. Able to listen and care about others and enjoy life – “Larry, what do you think?”6. How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
He went from “I make the weather” to realizing he can’t stop the blizzard, to realizing his egocentric ways don’t get him what he wants (relationship with Andie) to see the success when he becomes caring.
7. What are the most profound moments of the movie?
Giving money to the beggar, resuscitating the homeless man on the street, his confession that he is a jerk.
8. What are the most profound lines of the movie?
“It’s all right – I am a jerk”
“Is there anything I can do for you today?”
“What do you want out of life.”
“Larry, what do you think”
“Is this what love is for?”9. How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
At the beginning he despises everything about the small town, feeling it is beneath him, to telling Andie at the end, “Let’s live here.”
10. What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
Life is about us – getting ahead, getting more. Real life is when you give yourself
away, love and care for others. -
Linda Anderson's Analysis of Groundhog Day
What I learned doing this assignment is how the detail in setups and payoffs helped to deliver the messages of the movie without having to spell out everything.
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Mark Roeder’s Analysis of Groundhog Day
What I learned doing this assignment is I can see myself in Phil in certain ways and realize I’ve felt certain things, like “I shouldn’t be here” “I’m wasting my time” “I should leave.” “I don’t have time for this” instead of appreciating people around me. There’s choices we all have to make sometimes between helping ourselves, doing what we want, achieving our goals or helping others at times. It’s easy to get caught up in ourselves and not care about what others are going through.
1. THE TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY
Phil Connors, the weatherman, changes. He goes from arrogant and selfish to caring about other people, like Rita, his producer. Goes from hating the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to loving it, even wanting to live there. From hating living same day over and over to embracing it, using it.
2. LEAD CHARACTERS
Change agent: Rita (Phil’s producer).
Phil uses living Groundhog Day over and over to try to get Rita, and sees things in her that he’s not: she’s nice to people, caring. As hard as he tries she still sees through him and he realizes he doesn’t deserve her. One day he tells her the truth and proves to her that he can live Groundhog Day over and over, and she suggests he uses it as a blessing instead of a curse, and he’s inspired to do some good with it, to actually help people and save people’s lives.
Transformable character: Phil Connors (the weatherman)
Phil is arrogant, selfish, hates Punxsutawney, the town and wants out. Too full of himself to even eat with Rita and Larry, the cameraman. Doesn’t see blessing of what he has and who is around him. Thinks of himself as above all this stuff.
Oppression: being forced to live the same day (Groundhog Day) over and over again.
3. CONNECTION WITH AUDIENCE
RELATABILITY
Even though Phil’s full of himself, he has a funny sense of humor making sarcastic jokes and there’s things about him I can relate to: he doesn’t want to go do this job he’s done before, feels he should be doing something better, feels he’s wasting his time doing this. While not that many of us have reported on groundhogs seeing their shadow before, we’ve all probably felt similar things about having to do a job that seems menial that we don’t want to do. Like Phil, we’ve all probably been stuck in a place we don’t want to be.
I can relate to him wanting a cappuccino when there’s coffee, because I like cappuccinos and find humor in his attitude even though he’s being a selfish jerk and doesn’t really appreciate what he has. It’s easy to take things for granted.
I and most people have at some point felt we could be spending our time in a better way.INTRIGUE
There’s mystery and intrigue with him living Groundhog Day again and again. Why is everything happening again? How is that possible? What are the rules? What does he do with the day? Can he break the cycle, the time loop? We can think about what we would do if it happened to us.
4. OLD WAYS VS. NEW WAYS
Old ways:
Phil’s arrogant, self centered,Would rather be alone than eat with others. Can’t seem to connect deeply with people, doesn’t want to. Says Rita’s “fun, but not my kind of fun.” Says “people are morons.”
Hates Punxsutawney, the town, and can’t relate to “hicks” there, feels above them. Wants out of town. He says “chance of departure today 100%.”
Not excited about his job.
Sarcastic, even on the air. Sarcastically says he’s sure he’ll love the festivities. Never serious.
A prima donna, as Larry, his camera guy says, and the definition fits: a person who is self-centered, temperamental, and behaves in a way that is demanding or diva-like
Doesn’t help people.
Thinks things like poetry a waste of time.
Tricks women to get them into bed without really caring about them.
New way at end:
Helpful, saves lives, changes old ladies’ tire.
Can quote poetry, learns to play piano and chisels ice sculptures, like Rita’s face.
Cares about people, likes town.
Cares about Rita for who she really is.
GRADIENT OF CHANGE:
1. Beginning: arrogant, thinks he’s above this job, this town, Punxsutawney, and the people in it. Doesn’t want to get close to Rita and Larry, who he works with. Sarcastic. Never serious.
2. Confused about living same day after day. Questions if it’s in his head. Gets serious and has his head examined.
3. Helps the drunk guys. 1st time he’s done something helpful.
4. Realizes can do whatever he wants. No consequences. He can drive recklessly, get chased by cops, drive on train tracks, go to jail and still wake up in his bed and breakfast at 6am on Groundhog Day, again. Even learns not to step in the same puddle.
5. Town begins to grow on him. He uses his ability to impress Nancy and steal money. Calls out Rita’s name in bed as he’s with Nancy.
6. Decides to go after Rita. Rita tells him what kind of man she wants. He uses living the same day over to his advantage, getting to know everything about Rita, impressing her, blowing it over and over again but getting a little farther each time. His tricks and lies only get him so far. Saying “I love you” blows it for him, because she doesn’t think he knows her. Gets slapped repeatedly.
7. Gives up after he can’t get Rita. Frustrated. Steals ground hog. Even kills himself multiple times, only to wake up at 6am when his alarm goes off.
8. Tries honesty and proves to Rita he can live the same day over and over again. Admits he’s a jerk. Rita tells him maybe it’s not a curse that he can live a thousand lifetimes. Starts to care about Rita more. Admits that he doesn’t deserve her.
9. Starts being kind. Gives money to homeless person he passed so many times before. Decides to use his gift of living life every day to play piano. Using this thing as gift instead of curse. Tries to stop old homeless man from dying. Gives him soup. Food. Mouth to mouth recitation. Saves people. Kid falling. Guy choking. Helps old ladies who got flat tire.
10. After doing the day right, saving people, treating Rita like the caring gentleman he has become even when she “buys” him in auction, he gets rewarded and wakes up with her on Feb 3, the day after groundhog day. He finally broke the cycle!
BELIEFS CHALLENGED.
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 want to get out of town is challenged by the blizzard and then having to live the same day over and over so he can’t get out.
Phil hating the “hick” town and thinking it’s only a place to escape from is challenged by him getting to know people in the town and genuinely liking them. Town grows on him.
Thinking he’s above everyone challenged as he gets to know people, like Rita, and realizes he doesn’t deserve her. That challenges his arrogance.
Her slapping him over and over again challenges his tricky, lying ways.
PROFOUND MOMENTS:
The lyrics “I got you babe” are a juxtaposition to him waking up alone every day to the same song.
He wakes up for a third time at 6 am to alarm playing “I got you babe.” The pencil he broke is whole again, not broken anymore.
Drunk guys tell Phil he can do anything now. No consequences.
After reckless driving and being put in jail, he wakes up in his bed again at 6am. Becomes ecstatic. This is the first time he’s glad to live day again.
Calls out Rita’s name when in bed with Nancy.
Rita tells Phil what kind of man she wants.
Phil and Rita walk home and Rita is amazed at the difference between the day she expected and the day she got.
She slaps him for making her care about him.
The clock looks huge a it turns from 5:59 to 6:00, like the clock is oppressing him, a symbol of his oppression.
Drives truck off cliff. Truck explodes. Wakes up in bed after dying.
Impresses Nancy by knowing everything about everyone in the restaurant, even though they don’t know him.
He tells her everything about her.
He writes down what Larry will say when he comes in, and she’s mystified.
Admits to Rita that he’s a jerk.
Rita says maybe it’s not a curse.
After he gets Rita to stay the first time, he still wakes up on Groundhog Day again.
Gives homeless person money.
Gives him soup.
Gives him mouth to mouth in street to try to save him.
On his news report when the groundhog comes out, Phil gives a profound speech respecting Groundhog Day and the town instead of the schtick he was saying before.
Instead of accepting Rita’s invitation for coffee, he goes to save people.
Catches kid when he falls.
Stops guy from choking.
At the Groundhog Day Festival Banquet party, Phil Impresses Rita with how well he plays piano and how he saved so many people and they all love him.
Phil chisels an ice sculpture of Rita.
The radio announcers say something new. Rita’s in bed with him. There’s no people going to the groundhog celebration. There’s snow on the streets. It’s a new day.
PROFOUND DIALOGUE:
In traffic blocked by blizzard and cop:
Phil: I make the weather.
On phone:
Phil: What if there is no tomorrow? There wasn’t one today.
Bowling alley:
Drunk guy: I’m guessing you’re glass half empty type of guy.
Car:
Phil: Let me ask you guys a question. What if there was no tomorrow?
Drunk guy: Oh, that would mean there would be no consequences, be no hangovers, we could do whatever we wanted!
Restaurant:
Rita: I thought you hated this town.
Phil: No, it’s beginning to grow on me.
At groundhog festivities:
Phil: Rita, if you only had one day to live, what would you do with it?
Phil: No, I mean the whole world is about to explode. What do you do?
Rita: I just wanna know where to put the camera.
Restaurant:
Phil: What I really want is someone like you.
Walk home:
Rita: I’m just amazed at how you can start the day expecting one thing and end the day with something completely different.
Rita: I like it very much. Perfect day. Couldn’t plan a day like this.
Phil: Well, actually you can. It just takes an awful lot of work.
Phil’s room:
Rita: I could never love anyone like you, Phil, because you’ll never love anyone but yourself.
Groundhog festivities:
Phil: You know if you want a prediction about the weather, you’re asking the wrong Phil. I’ll give you a prediction. It’s gonna be cold. It’s gonna be gray. And it’s gonna last you for the rest of your life.
Rita: I think there’s something really wrong with Phil.
Larry: Yeah, there’s a lot of things wrong with Phil.
Restaurant:
Phil: You like boats but not the ocean… You’re kind to strangers and children. And when you stand in the snow you look like an angel.
Outside:
Rita: Maybe I should spend the rest of the day with you as an objective witness just to see what happens.
Phil’s room:
Phil: The worst part is that tomorrow you will have forgotten all about this and you’ll treat me like a jerk again. It’s all right. I am a jerk.
Rita: No, you’re not.
Phil: It doesn’t make any difference. I’ve killed myself so many times I don’t even exist anymore.
Rita: Sometimes I wish I had a thousand lifetimes. I don’t know, Phil. Maybe it’s not a curse. It just depends on how you look at it.
Phil: What I meant to say is I guess you’re the kindest, prettiest woman I 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 wanted to hold you as hard as I could.
Phil: I don’t deserve someone like you, but if I ever could, I swear I would love you for the rest of my life.
Groundhog festivities:
Phil: When Checkoff 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. From Punxsutawney, it’s Phil Connors, So long.
Sculpting ice outside:
Phil: I know your face so well I could’ve done it with my eyes closed.
Outside bed and breakfast:
Phil: It’s so beautiful. Let’s live here. We’ll rent to start.
PROFOUND ENDING:
Phil plays piano at the groundhog day dance. Rita had said she wanted a man who plays an instrument. Phil used groundhog days to take piano lessons and save people. She’s wowed that everyone loves him and he helped so many people, and “buys” him in an auction.
Hearing the lyrics “I got you babe” play every morning at 6am, then hearing it again at the end sets up that it’s repeating, but then the announcers say new things for once.
Rita is there with him. That pays off all the times he woke up alone, even the other time we saw Rita sleep in the same bed as him. There’s no people outside going to the groundhog celebration after we saw that every time. Now there’s snow covering the streets for the first time, like there should be after a blizzard.
PROFOUND TRUTH:
Sometimes when you feel above something, like you’re wasting your time, you’re not seeing what’s really there, the people there, how blessed you are. If you’re too arrogant to even accept a dinner invitation from someone you like who could be the right person if you’d give it a chance, then you need to change. Caring about others and helping them, even saving them, is more rewarding than only caring about yourself. Having too much time or living the same day over and over again could be a curse or a blessing, depending on how you look at it. Use your gift. If you get a second chance, and third and fourth and so on, consider yourself lucky.
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Day 1: What is Profound?
Sylvia’s Analysis of Groundhog Day
What I learned doing this assignment is…every time I see this movie, I see more depth in it. And, with these insight questions, I see yet more. -
Mark Kelton’s Analysis of Groundhog Day
We are looking at this movie from the perspective of the change that occurs for the lead character and the audience.
What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
Phil Connors goes from being self-centered, cynical, sarcastic, braggart who only cares about himself to being a kind, authentic, compassionate man who finds the real connections he makes with people in a small town to be the most satisfying thing in lie.Lead characters:
Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change?
Phil Connors thinks about no one but himself, and thinks the best day in his life is when he had a one-night stand with a model on a beach.Who is the Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey?
Rita Hanson is honest, genuine, kind, and personable. She lives the kind of life Phil needs to learn to appreciate and value.What is the Oppression?
The Oppression is the time loop that Phil gets stuck in, living Groundhog Day over and over again.How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
We can all identify with having to do things for work that we don’t want to do, although Phil is just complaining way too much. We also identify with Rita in someone who has to deal with a difficult person in a work setting. She is charming and professional, and we empathize with her having to put up with Phil.Looking at the character(s) who are changed the most, what is the profound journey? From “old ways” to “new way of being.” Identify their old way: Identify their new way at the conclusion.
Phil’s old ways are being selfish, treating people poorly, complaining, being sarcastic to people, bragging, and not caring about the people around him, only himself.
His new ways are to be kind to people and go out of his way to help them. To treat people with respect, to look out for their needs, and do what he can to better their lives and make them happy.What is the gradient of the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
At first, being caught in the Time Loop seems to make Phil take all his old ways and make them even worse. He tricks women into thinking he knows them. He robs a bank to buy an expensive car to impress people. Then he sets his sights on Rita, and goes to enormous lengths to try to get into ben with her.
Then he becomes even worse, driving recklessly, evading the cop. There’s a whole series of getting slapped by Rida on many different days. He’s really not getting it!
And finally he goes through a series of days where he just keeps killing himself, in all the ways he can think of.
After he has a really nice day with Rita, really caring about her and opening up to her as she falls asleep–but he wakes up and she is gone, the next thing we see is that Phil gives some money to the old homeless man.
The he comes to their shoot about the groundhog, and Phil shows up with coffee and pastries, and is very considerate of Rita and Larry. Even Larry is kinder to Phil in return.
Phil is inspired by some piano music and finds a piano teacher to give him lessons.
When the old man dies, Phil is determined to be nicer to him the next time and takes the man out for a nice meal.
After the old man dies again, Phil’s next broadcast contains a quote from Chekhov. Many people from the town have gathered around to hear Phil’s talk, and he answers Chekhov with his own quote about winter, “I couldn’t imagine a better fate than a long and blusterous winter.”
Phil continues to grow, saving people lives, and helping them out in difficult situations.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 trying to pretend to be everything Rita wants is getting him nowhere. It always ends with some gaffe or Rita figuring out that Phil is not being genuine. His tricks end up with several slaps from Rita on different days.
Just being in the loop itself shows Phil that his life is stagnant. The Time Loop is a metaphor for Phil’s life. Even before the Time Loop, he was living the same day over and over, and would continue to do so until her learned to change.What are the most profound moments of the movie?
When the old man dies and Phil decides he is going to make things better for the man, but he dies again on another day. Phil learns that he can’t fix everything.
When Phil is talking to a couple of the local jus he’s hanging out with and he says, “What would you do if you were stuck in one place, and every day was exactly the same, and nothing that you did mattered?
One of the guy says, “That about sums it up for me.”
When Phil spends a day with Rita just being honest and caring about her, she finally says, “It’s been a really nice day. And maybe we could do it again sometime.:
And at the end, when Rita spends the night with Phil, and when he wakes up the next morning and finds that Rita is still there and the curse is broken.What are the most profound lines of the movie?
Not dialogue, but the lyrics of the song, “I Got You Babe.” Starting every day, haunting, taunting Phil, that he doesn’t have someone and maybe never will.Phil: “Rita, I’m re-living the same day over and over ..”
Rita: “I thought you hated this town.”
Phil: “No, it’s beginning to grow on me.”Rita: “I could never love someone like you, Phil, because you’ll never love anyone but yourself.”
Phil: “That’s not true. I don’t even like myself.”Phil: “No matter what happens tomorrow, or for the rest of my life, I’m happy now. Because I love you.”
Rita: “I’m happy too.”Rita: “Why weren’t you like this last night. You fell asleep.”
Phil: “It was the end of a very long day.”How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
The setup of “I Got You” babe is paid off when Phil ends up with Rita in the end.
The setup of how much Phil hates Punxsutawney, doesn’t like small town people, and thinks people are morons is paid off when Phil decides to live in Punxsutawney with Rita.
Many setups were about living the same day over and over, or “If you only had one day to live …” were all paid off when Phil was able to make his transformative change and break the Time Loop. Showing that if you are stuck in your life, you can grow and change and break free of that rut.What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
The Profound Truth of this movie is that being a kind, thoughtful, authentic person who cares about others and puts their happiness ahead of your own, brings happiness through genuine connections to others in your community.I had two insights:
For all the movies we’ve seen over the years about how men can be better men and treat women with respect, and as equals, it just seems to be getting worse these days. This only inspires me more to write profound movies and to help other writes do the same.I know that in an early draft of the script they had an explanation for how Phil got into the Time Loop–it was literally a curse put on him by a woman.
Maybe the movie is fine without that explanation. The reason he was put into the loop is because he needed to learn to change. He didn’t know that, and he didn’t want that. Even at the end, I don’t know that he realizes the meaning of his own story.
In contrast, in the movie “The Map of Tiny Perfect Things,” (SPOILER ALERT) the two main characters were in a Time Loop. At the end of the move we find out that the woman’s mother was dying and the Time Loop began because the woman did not want to have to face her mother’s death. She just didn’t think she could handle it. At the end we learn this, and the 2 characters figure it out, and how they got out of the loop. To me, it was a much more profound ending than “Groundhog Day.” Although “Groundhog Day was a much broader comedy–maybe less serious. (TMOTPT is a rom-com too.) Anyway, something to think about.-
This reply was modified 5 months, 2 weeks ago by Mark Kelton.
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This reply was modified 5 months, 2 weeks ago by
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Amie’s analysis of Ground Hog Day
What I learned about this movie is – how watching it with the parameters of ‘the profound screenplay’ prompts I actually grew to like it more than when I first watched it years ago.
1. What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie? The change is about an egotistical, self-aggrandizing man not realizing how shallow and empty his life is until he meets a woman who is a naturally caring and giving person.
2. Lead characters:
o Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change? RITA
o Who is the Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey?
PHIL
o What is the Oppression?
3. How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story? Through entertainment, and the gimmick of the day being the same over and 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:
Old way-Phil is full of himself, illusions of grandeur, judges others, looks down on others, acerbic wit, doesn’t seem to care about anything but himself
New way Phil takes risks, begins changing behaviours, etc.
5. What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
o Each day he gets a little more polite and less sure of himself
o He starts to care …the scene with the drunk guys at the bowling alley
o He starts to treat Rita better and his cameraman
o He learns poetry and piano
o Repeated small things like the diner and the homeless guy
6. How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change? He becomes more interested in the people around him and because he has th superpower of knowing what happened the day before, he inversely gives up his power of control.
7. What are the most profound moments of the movie?
o Gets hit over the head with a shovel when he says “Im a celebrity with an emergency’
o When he falls from the hotel, tryng to stop whats happening to him
o Talking to Rita as she sleeps…telling her how when he first met her he wanted to hold her
o Giving CPR to the homeless guy
o Ice sculpting Rita (a bit corny)
8. What are the most profound lines of the movie?o What would you do if you were stuck on in one place and every day was exactly the same? And nothing you did mattered
o Watch out for the first step, it’s a doozey
o What if there were no tomorrow
o I’m just amazed—how you can start a day with one kind of expectation and end up with something completely different
o No matter what happens tomorrow or for the rest of my life, I’m happy now
9. How does the ending payoff the ?setups of this movie?
Phil transforms
10. What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
When you actually take the first step outside yourself into a world you no longer control (or think you do), you can really let go and let love in. -
Margo’s Analysis of Groundhog Day
What I learned doing this assignment is: that I can learn more from looking at what’s right and what’s working than criticizing what’s wrong. Analyzing is not the same as critiquing or criticizing.
1. What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
Perhaps the CHANGE is that the most despicable has the potential for redemption.
Phil’s change is about going from self-centered and shallow to caring about & for others.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?
Town of Punxsutawney won’t release Phil until he gets in touch with his humanity and learns to appreciate the little things in life.
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. He is too self-important to see the simple charms that surround him.o What is the Oppression?
The Oppression is being caught in the trap of repeating the same day over and over with no way out.3. How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
4. Looking at the character(s) who are changed the most, what is the profound journey? From “old ways” to “new way of being.” Identify their old way: Identify their new way at the conclusion:
Phil’s “old ways” are arrogance and disdain; he puts everyone down; he appreciates no one. In his “new ways” he is selfless, he has surrendered to life having given up on even trying to kill himself; in each day he assists someone else; he is patient with maybe even a touch of wisdom, something completely lacking at the beginning.
5. What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
The gradients were so subtle I didn’t even notice them the first time through. At first it appears his take on the situation is that whatever he does there will be no consequences. It seems at first he is actually going backwards. His movement forward is baby steps but he gains momentum as the story unfolds.6. How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
7. What are the most profound moments of the movie?
A profound moment for me: In his utter despair at ever getting out of his interminable loop he completely gives up and attempts to take his life as his only way to escape. The message: shortcuts don’t work. The only way out is through.8. What are the most profound lines of the movie?
At the very beginning Phil says: “People are morons.” That sums up how Phil feels about everyone but himself. The sets up who he is and the path he needs to take.9. How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
Phil goes from being disliked by everyone who interacts with him to being the most popular guy in town. But only through lessons learned and a major shift in his world view.10. What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
Even the worst of us has the potential to become a better person. If Phil can do it, I can. -
Lonnie’s assessment of “Groundhog Day”
;What I learned doing this assignment:
The importance of the transformational journey of the protagonist, and that it happens in stages, not just an “arc” that happens at the end of the movie.The change: From a selfish narcissist who is dismissive and disdainful to a caring human being who appreciates his fellow humans, as well as each day in his life
Change agent: Everyone around him, Phil, who feeds back to him his awful behavior (s).
After he wakes up every day, no happier than the day before, and in love with Rita, he realizes the nee d to change.The oppression: waking up every day and he’s no happier and it’s the same ole same ole.
What causes us to connect? He’s selfish, but funny and sometimes self-depricating, we want him to change so he can fall in love.Gradient : After Rita calls him out, and he experiences the same day, everyday, waking up mserable, he tries to kill himself. But, he eventually learns that being a good, compassionate person actually makes him happier…that attracts Rita to him.
How are the old ways challenged? The old ways are challenged because 1) they aren’t working for him and (2) no matter what he thinks makes him happy (with no repurcussions), he wakes up miserable every morning.
Most profound moments : When they wake up together and it’s the next day, and he realizes she loves him for what he is now, and him being himself…..along with the fact he didn’t have to have sex with her to love her.
How does ending payoff the setups: Set up: he’s mean, egotistical, sarcastic…. then learns that’s not a path to happiness, then by being understanding and simply accepting himself, he attracts everyone to him in a loving fashion.
Profound Truth: Like attracts like; being understanding, loving, and a good person, attracts that same energy and “vibe” to yourself.
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This reply was modified 5 months, 2 weeks ago by Lonnie Nichols.
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This reply was modified 5 months, 2 weeks ago by
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Mary Albanese – Analysis of GROUNDHOG DAY
Lesson 1. Analysis of GROUNDHOG DAY
What I learned: The steps of the change are the bulk of the movie. Each little step leads to another, and another. The entire movie is made up of defining the problem, smacking the character with the problem, and all the steps he takes to solve and overcome the problem.The change: Phill needs to change from someone only interested in his selfish ego to someone who can embrace his human qualities and rejoice in a true human experience (love).
The change agent is Rita, because she is good and kind. And also smart. She’s not so dumb or naïve as to accept or allow or enable Phil’s crappy attitude.Phill is the transformable character. He’s selfish and vain, but there’s also something change-worthy about him that makes us hope he’ll grow. His put-downs are never overly cruel, they are kind of funny. So we recognize he needs to change and believe with the right circumstances, he can. We are ROOTING for him to change. He’s not a mean person, he just thinks the world is one big joke. But the joke turns out to be on him.
How are we lured in – This is super clever. They have created a world that makes us all think “What would I do in that situation?” I have to keep watching to see what he’ll do. In my head I have a check list of things I would do. Then I watch Phill do them and see what happens. Masterful.
What causes us to connect? He’s put in an impossible situation. How do you overcome the impossible? I feel like I am stuck in the time loop with him.
What beliefs are changed – Phill changes from an egotistical (but fragile) jerk to a solid and love-worthy human being who understands that NOW is all we ever get, so he’d better make the most of it and become a person who deserves that NOW.
Profound Truth – as above.Profound moments – So many. Every time I watch this I see more. This go-around, my favorite profound moment was when Phill, who thinks he’s a big shot because he’s a tv weatherman, realizes that the fat little muskrat in the cage, only allowed out once a year, is a better weatherman and more famous. Phil’s whole world view – being a big deal tv guy – is just one big cage that constrains him. It constrains him to live a life with just as much meaning as that fat little muskrat in his cage. Wow.
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Brent’s analysis of Groundhog Day.
What I learned doing this assignment is that we can engage with, cheer for, and feel empathy with characters who are acting bad and doing bad things, if we believe they have the capacity to find a better version of themselves, and there is an inciting incident that we suspect might put them on a trajectory to find this better version…
- The
transformation or change in this movie is Phil finding that caring as much
for others as for himself, and genuinely liking others as much as himself,
leads to a much more genuine happiness. - The
element of having to relive every day (groundhog day) is the agent of
change and it works for Phil because it keeps him experiencing the way he
feels trying out different ways of being.
Through this multitude of “experiments” he begins to realize it
feels better to be good than to be bad.
Phil is the transformable character and he’s right because he’s the most obviously dysfunctional character in the story, but one we can still relate to, because whether we show it or not, we all feel like Phil from time to time. It’s very human. Most of us just cover it up better. But we never feel great about those core feelings.
Our human nature is the oppression. The habit that Phil has of giving into these feelings that he’s the only smart one and everyone else is holding him back from the greatness he so rightly deserves.
- I
think there are many reasons, good performances, good dialogue, etc… But I see two main reasons that got me
hooked. First, I can relate to the
character (as I said above) in that we can all feel at times like we are surrounded
by fools and if only this or that, our true talent would be exposed. (Most of us, including me, hope that we
do a better job than Phil at both handling it and eventually, gaining a
wiser perspective. But to see this
potential change on the horizon, it’s just very very tempting to watch
happen. And the second big thing
is the idea is just so novel. The
day happens over and over again and he’s the only one who knows it, and
can learn from it. Brilliant and
hooking! - Phil’s
old way was to see everyone as a fool and a loser and a reason why he is
where he is at. From here, he’s
incapable of holding any meaningful connection with others and becomes
more and more dysfunctional inside.
His new way is to hold himself in a more balanced context with the
world, a little more “there but by the grace of God go I” mentality, and
the appreciate others and what they bring, and in doing so, he’s capable
of holding meaningful connections, and this heals him inside and brings
out a better version of Phil. - It
was slow, you might say, day by day!
And what else is remarkable is it wasn’t a straight line. It had ups and downs. For example, for a while, he used his
unique situation to do bad things, maybe worse things than he was capable
of before (stealing, taking advantage of women, etc). - It’s
first challenge is that Phil is stuck in a place he loathes on a day he loathes. And then further, as he gets to the end
of each day, he starts to realize, how empty it is – even when he controls
exactly how that day can go.
Without real human connection and appreciation, life can not just
be empty, it can feel hollow. And
Phil starts to realize this when forced to live the same day over and over
again. - Phil
realizing to love others means he loves himself. And vice versa. - Did
not note, but I did love his line about wanting to stay and live in Punxsutawney. It was a metaphor for wanting to leave
his old ways behind, and stay rooted in his new way. - Yes. In particular, that Phil would want to
move to Punxsutawney – the place he said would be his last trip in the
beginning of the film. - To
truly love and appreciate others is the only way to truly love and
appreciate yourself. From here, true
happiness is possible.
- The
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Terrie’s Analysis of Barbie
What I learned from this assignment was to look a bit deeper at the journey. Not just a character arc but taking a journey step by step. I sort of got this before and have actually given feedback to friends that their character arcs weren’t clear enough – now I realize they might have had an arc but they didn’t have a journey. Also, the main characters needs to take on the change, be proactive not just magically change. Barbie intentionally went to the real world, she though to repair the tear ended up transforming herself. She also rejected the opportunity to go back to status quo – is that essential to the transformation journey?
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?
Barbie becomes a fully formed woman – feeling all the feelings, needing a gynecologist! From living in a gilted world to living in the real world with all it’s complexities.
2. Lead characters:
Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change?
Gloria – America Ferrara’s character
Who is the Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey?
Barbie – she is stereotypical Barbie. Mattel turned her into the aspirational women (not the movie here, the toy), she looks perfect and can be anything! To a chick, Barbieland is a pretty cool world.
What is the Oppression?
Patriarchy/Mattel
3. How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
We are lured by Barbie and her world. It’s freakin’ awesome! (If you are into Barbie). Then Barbie feels negative emotions, her day 2 is just not like day 1 she has PROBLEMS and starts to question what is going on? Which pretty much seems like every damn day to me.
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:
Barbie – living a comfortable existence in Barbie land, becomes a real woman
Ken – only happy if Barbie notices him to being Kenough!
Sasha – re-connects with her mother
Gloria experiences less change than the other characters as she’s the change agent, living as a real woman in a world that doesn’t fully appreciate a real woman.
5. What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
· Barbie has dark thoughts.
· Barbie is malfunctioning and must visit Weird Barbie – get weird when played with too hard in the real world. – seeks help for the problem, looking outside herself
· Travels to the real world.
· Experiences patriarchy for the first time. Told she set back feminism.
· Goes to Jail!
· Barbie says everything is backwards. Ken returns to Barbieland
· Meeting Ruth, her creator. the real world isn’t what she thought it was. It never is and that’s why it’s wonderful.
· Gets in Gloria’s car. ‘how are you here. You’re like an idea.’ It was Gloria’s drawings that brought on thoughts of death and cellulite! I came for you’ Those are your memories.
· Barbie turns back to save Barbieland and make it better. “I can practically feel my heels lifting!”
· why didn’t the brainwashing work on Barbie? Being exposed to the real world
· save the barbies. Pieces of a continuation of Gloria’s speech.
· It’s okay to cry. Not every night has to be girls night, I took you for granted (Barbie to Ken). There is no just ken! Time to discover who Ken is. Ken you have to figure out who you are without me. Maybe the things you go through make you. You aren’t you. “Ken is me!” We were only fighting because we didn’t know who we were.
· Barbie doesn’t want things to go back the way they were.
· Apologizing to weird Barbie and Ken for how they treated them earlier.
· Closes portal between the worlds. Barbie’s not in love with Ken, she’s not sure where she belongs. I don’t have an ending – Ruth tells her that’s the point. Barbie and Ruth take a walk. Saved Barbieland from patriarchy. Ideas live forever, humans not so much. (Ruth) Humans make up things like patriarchy & Barbie just has to deal with how uncomfortable it is. Then you die. Make meaning – become human.
· Wearing Birkenstock’s Barbie needs to see her gynecologist. – she’s fully human.
6. How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
Barbies run Barbieland, even to the exclusion of the Kens. Barbie enters the real world to avoid becoming Weird Barbie. In the real world she experiences patriarchy which causes her to appreciate Barbieland. Barbieland gets sucked into patriarchy and they fight it. Eventually Barbie sees that not being fair to Kens and Weird Barbie aren’t right either.
7. What are the most profound moments of the movie?
Barbie has dark thoughts.
Barbie is malfunctioning and must visit Weird Barbie – get weird when played with too hard in the real world. – seeks help for the problem, looking outside herself
Goes to Jail!
Meeting Ruth, her creator.
why didn’t the brainwashing work on Barbie? Being exposed to the real world
Gloria’s speech.
We were only fighting because we didn’t know who we were.
Apologizing to weird Barbie and Ken for how they treated them earlier.
Ideas live forever, humans not so much. (Ruth) Humans make up things like patriarchy & Barbie just has to deal with how uncomfortable it is. Then you die. Make meaning – become human.
Wearing Birkenstock’s Barbie needs to see her gynecologist. – she’s fully human.
8. What are the most profound lines of the movie?
Gloria’s monologue. I know some people thought it was too long. An entire 2 hour movie of that would not be too long for me.
I can practically feel my heels lifting!”
I never wanted anything to change. That’s life, it’s all change. That’s terrifying.
Giving voice to the cognitive dissonance required to be a woman under the patriarchy robbed it of its power!
Humans make up things like patriarchy & Barbie just has to deal with how uncomfortable it is. Then you die. Make meaning
I’m here to see my gynecologist.
9. How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
Barbie now lives in the real world, abandoning the comfort of Barbieland to live a real life.
10. What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
Real life is messy but worth it. You can be what you want to be.
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Alice’s Analysis of Groundhog Day
1. What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
Phil changes from selfish to being compassionate, caring, comprehensive, and gets all kinds of skills
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?
I know it must be Rita, but I don’t completely agree. He at first is not at all about her. But yes, he does in huge way because of her.
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. He’s pretty self-centered. He’s forgetful. Makes dirty jokes. Cynical. But, his reaction makes him do the change.
o What is the Oppression?
I know it must be that it is same day all the time. But, maybe it’s his attitude, not wishing to stay there. But then it changes.
3. How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
?? I don’t know, I just keep watching. But then of course its interesting, how it would evolve.
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:Rita at first finds him a jerk. Then she ‘gets’ him for all the money in her purse.
Phil at first doesn’t remember not to take a shower, as its cold water there, or not to step from pavement right into ice water puddle on the road. Then catches a boy, daily, as that one falls from the tree.5. What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
First is when he turns attention to the radio. Now something bothers him.
When he seduces Nancy
When he does whatever, as far as there are no consequences, is chased by police, steals money
When he starts collecting everything about Rita
Then, it doesn’t work anymore, as he can’t play it second time, trying to get it nicer (he tries to pretend he’s nice, but it turns not to look natural)
When he tries to suicide
When he tries to prove it to her, and shows how he knows everyone
When he starts getting new skills, like piano playing and ice sculpturing.
When he brings them coffee, and goes on errands
When he proposes to stay here6. How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
Uselessness of human endeavors? That nothing matters.
7. What are the most profound moments of the movie?
When they pull groundhog out at celebration.
When he recognizes it’s same day.
When he turns ice block to revel her portrait.
When he can’t save old man.
When he does his errands.
When he proposes to stay!
When he brings them coffee.
When Rita gets him for large sum, all her money.
When she recognizes him at piano.
When he jumps from church tower.
When Ned thanks him for getting all kinds of insurance.
Driving on railroad.
When Phil is surrounded as he gives a talk.
8. What are the most profound lines of the movie?
Today is tomorrow
I am the god
I make the weather
My father was piano mover9. How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
Well, he says, he doesn’t want to stay another day there, and now offers to live here
10. What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
?? We can spend our life much more significant, if won’t lose time.What I learned doing this assignment I think I’m still the watcher, not the one who create it.
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Frank E Legette III’s Analysis of Ground Hog Day
What I learned from doing this assignment: I watch this movie twice this time. The first time I watched it just to watch the movie. The second time it was for analytical purposes. I am grasping the analysis concept much better having watched it more than once. I gained so much more insight by watching it the second time. I’m even open to watching it as many times as possible because now I believe that with each viewing, I will learn and discover something that I missed previously.
I’m also truly beginning to understand the significance of the audience having a profound experience and NOT JUST THE PROTAGONIST! I will forever write a script from the perspective of the change that must occur for the lead character and the audience.
# 1 – What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
– It’s about transitioning from being incredibly narcissistic and selfish to being self-less.
# 2 – 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?
– Rita is the change agent. She is a lovely woman he works with and she forces him to be better than he is. She verbally challenges his narcissistic comments and thoughts. Unlike others, she doesn’t just accept him for who has is and has always been. She challenges his flawed humanity.
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. He dislikes people. He sees the worst in people. However, by film’s end, he transitions from selfish to self-less.
What is the Oppression?
– It’s Phil’s self-centeredness and selfishness – his flawed humanity.
# 3 – How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
Ans: We connect with the story because life keeps repeating itself in an attempt to help Phil be better than he is. Initially, he learns to manipulate the process to his benefit. However, over time, he begins to change by being other-centered.
# 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: Phil is only concerned about himself; he is conniving, and manipulating in addition to being self-centered.
– In the beginning Phil is demeaning, condescending, and offensive.
– Phil says to Rita “people are morons.” Rita says, sarcastically, nice attitude.
– Rita says “these people are great.” Phil says “They’re hicks Rita.”
– Phil asks Rita if she tossed and turned all night thinking about him.” Rita responds sarcastically, “you’re impossible.
Identify their new way at the conclusion:
– He has become a self-less person who not only cares about
people he goes about his day looking for people to help and assist.# 5 – What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
– Phil says small town people are more real. More down to earth. Rita says that’s how I feel.
– When Rita says her ideal man plays an instrument, Phil takes piano lessons.
– Phil decides to stay another day.
– In the bar Rita reveals she studied 19th century French poetry. Phil laughs and declares it “a waste of time,” his typical sarcastic, demeaning response. In the repeat, he speaks French.
– While making a snowman, Phil reveals he’d like to do that with his kids one day. In the repeat, he reveals he wants kids, lot’s of kids, even adopt kids and then has fun in a snowball fight with kids.
– Phil acknowledges that he is a jerk. Rita says “no you’re not.”
# 6 – How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
– When Phil & his movie date go to the box office, Phil orders one ticket for himself but she orders two tickets. Phil acquiesces and pays for them both.
– He questions whether he’s egocentric. Rita confirms that he most is definitely.
– Phil says he’s stuck. Gus at the bowling alley calls him a “half full guy.”
– Phil uses his situation to get sex with Nancy. He calls her Rita, she checks him but he calls her Rita again.
– Rita says I can never love someone like you because you only love yourself. Phil says that’s not true. Give me another
chance.– Phil says he’s a god because he’s died repeatedly and come back. Rita says he’s not a god.
# 7 – What are the most profound moments of the movie?
– When Phil gives the beggar all the money in his pocket
– When Phil goes to the tree knowing the little boy was going to
fall out of it– When they spend the night together but he doesn’t have sex with her.
# 8 – What are the most profound lines of the movie?
– In the closing scene, Phil asks Rita “Is there anything I can do for you today?
– When Phil admits, near the end that he is a jerk.
# 9 – How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
Ans: Initially he didn’t want to stay there beyond his assignment. Because his change was so transformational for him, he concludes that they were going to live there forever.
By the film’s end he is the complete opposite of where he when when the story began. In the end he was sensitive to Rita’s feelings, he didn’t sleep with her that night, he intentionally sought out people to help and or rescue.
# 10 – What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
Life is much more meaningful, fulfilling, & rewarding when we are selfless and we place other people’s needs before our own.
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Sharyn’s Analysis of Groundhog Day
What I learned doing this assignment is that the profound is informed by one’s experiences so what is profound may be different for everyone. Whatever that profound is, a moment, action, or line, connects the viewer to the story. The discovery and revelation of the profound is a journey in stages.
1) What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
The CHANGE this movie is about is a narcissistic, callous, selfish weatherman who does not value others and he transforms into a generous, caring, and loving human being who is valued by others.
2) Lead characters:
Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change?
The change agent is Rita. She is the right character to cause the change because Phil is interested in her and wants to pursue a romantic relationship but Rita is turned off by his inauthenticity, selfishness and lies.Who is the Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey?
The transformable character is Phil. He is the right character to deliver this profound journey because he embodies the negative traits, which makes it easy to see his transformational journey into a likable person who truly cares about others and contributes to society.
What is the Oppression?
The oppression is Groundhog Day, living the same day over and over again.3) How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
We are lured into the story and connect with it because Phil is:
Funny – the humor of his character keeps us entertained
An a–hole so we want to see what consequences he receives from his attitude and how he acts
Relatable in how he is attracted to someone who does not return the same feelings and most of us have experienced that.
Intriguing in how he is faced with living the same day over continuously and curiosity with how he will navigate that situation.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: Obnoxious to people around him, feels superior and belittles people or ignores them, thinks only about himself, uses people
New Ways: genuine concern for people, take time really get to know people and build relationships, gives generously of himself including time, attention, resources, cherishes the moments
5) What is the gradient of the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
Phil is a selfish person
Caught in repeating Groundhog Day
Takes advantage of knowledge gained from the day and lives in a hedonistic and reckless way
Realizes his enjoyment is only temporary and lacks fulfillment so he focuses on being more productive with his time like playing the piano and serving in the community
Phil tries to build a genuine relationship with Rita
Realizing he may be caught in this repeating day forever, he commits to changing to make life mean something
By committimg to the change and bettering himself, Phil is able to break out of the repeating Groundhog 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?
He believes that he is better than everyone and so treats others beneath him. This belief is challenged when he thinks he knows enough to get Rita interested in him and she challenges his ways and doesn’t fall for his tactics.
Phil is selfish in his beliefs. He believes life is about getting what he wants and that is what will make him happy. This is challenged when he is caught in Groundhog day and thinks that he can do whatever he wants and he will be happy with that. After he steals, does reckless things like flee from cops and crash a car, gourge himself on his favored foods, and tries to engage in casual relations without regard for others, he finds his pleasures are momentary and has no real meaning.7) What are the most profound moments of the movie?
When his enjoyment of learning he can do whatever he wants with no consequences wears off and he discover his life has no meaning and jumps from the building.
When he starts learning the piano
Phil steps off the curb and he doesn’t step in the puddle.
Phil falls in love with Rita, kisses her and breaks out of the repeating Groundhog day.8) What are the most profound lines of the movie?
I’ll give you a winter prediction: It’s gonna be cold, it’s gonna be grey, and it’s gonna last you for the rest of your life.
Today is tomorrow.
What would you do if you were stuck in one place…and every day was exactly the same, and nothing that you did mattered?
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.
Anything different is good…but this could be real good.9) How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
One of the setups was Phil’s interest in Rita but on a physical superficial level. He was approaching a relationship in an inauthentic way but as he learned more he fell in love and was able to have a relationship by being authentic.10) What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
A meaningful life is built through relationships, service and love.-
This reply was modified 4 months, 1 week ago by Sharyn Grose.
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