Lesson 1

[Copper Wiezi]

Copper – Analysis of Groundhog Day

GROUNDHOG DAY, written by Danny Rubin and Harold Ramis

1. THE TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY
Going from an egotistical, self-centered existence to a life of compassion, purpose, and enlightenment. From resisting the cycle of life to embracing presence and growth.
For the audience: From being trapped in their own repetitive patterns to realizing that true happiness and meaning come from within.

2. LEAD CHARACTERS
Change Agent: The Time Loop (a karmic teacher)
Transformational Character: Phil Connors
Oppression: Phil’s ego and self-imposed suffering

3. CONNECTION WITH THE AUDIENCE
We connect with this journey because we recognize ourselves in Phil’s struggles.

RELATABILITY:
Phil feels stuck in a cycle—just like many of us in our daily lives.
He tries to control everything but finds himself powerless.
His cynicism, frustration, and eventual despair reflect our own resistance to change.
His slow realization that life is about more than self-gratification mirrors our own awakening.

INTRIGUE:
The mystery of the time loop—why is this happening? Will it ever end?
A comedic dark exploration of what happens when actions have no consequences. I remember the car scene with the drunks. The red Eldorado
The question of free will—if given infinite time, who would you become?
The gradual shift in Phil’s perspective keeps us engaged, wanting to see how he will finally break free.

4. OLD WAYS VS. NEW WAY
Old Ways: Phil is selfish, snobby, cynical, and dismissive of others. He sees people as tools or obstacles, and he’s always looking for ways to take advantage of the loop for his own gain. He fears connection, responsibility, and change.
New Way at End: Phil has let go of his ego and embraced selflessness. He finds purpose in helping others and lives fully in the present moment, without expectation or attachment. He’s broken the cycle of Samsara.

5. GRADIENT OF CHANGE
THE TRANSFORMATION: Phil undergoes a spiritual evolution, much like a soul experiencing multiple reincarnations within one lifetime.
Denial & Indulgence – He sees the loop as a curse but exploits it for pleasure and personal gain.
Despair &; Nihilism – He realizes he is truly stuck, leading to existential dread and repeated suicide attempts.
Curiosity & Experimentation – He begins learning new skills (piano, ice sculpting) and paying attention to others.
Genuine Self-Improvement – His kindness is no longer transactional. He finds joy in helping others, expecting nothing in return.
True Transformation – He fully embraces the day, not to escape, but to exist fully and selflessly in the present.

6. BELIEFS CHALLENGED
How is the “old way” challenged?
Phil believes happiness comes from control and external validation—he learns that it comes from connection and inner peace.
He thinks life is meaningless when it repeats, but he realizes each moment is an opportunity to grow.
He assumes others don’t matter, but he learns every interaction is sacred.

7. PROFOUND MOMENTS
Waking up to the same day over and over
Brought the homeless man to the hospital
In the alley trying to revive the homeless man
Saves a little boy from a fallen tree
Fixes the flat-tire with three women
Saves a man from choking in the restaurant

8. PROFOUND DIALOGUE

AT THE BED AND BREAKFAST
Phil: “You ever have Deja Vu, Mrs Lancaster”

IN THE BOWLING ALLEY WITH RALPH AND GUS
Phil: I was in the Virgin Islands once. I met a girl. we ate lobster drank pina coladas. At sunset we made love sea otters. That was a pretty good day. Why couldn’t I get that day over and over?

Gus: You know, some guys would would this glass is half empty. Others would say that glass is half full. I peg up you as the glass is half empty kind of guy. Am I right?

Phil: What would you do IF you were stuck in the one place. And everything was exactly the same. And nothing that you did mattered?

Ralph: That about sums it up for me.

IN THE RED CADILLAC ELDORADO
Phil: Let me ask you guys a question. What if there was no tomorrow?

IN THE CHOCOLATE SHOP WITH RITA
RITA: There’s somethng so familiar about this. Do you ever have Deja VU?
Phil: Didn’t you just ask me that?

IN THE BED N BREAKFAST WITH RITA
Rita: I could never love somone like you Phil because you’ll never love anyone but yourself.
Phil: I don’t even like myself.

IN THE DINER WITH RITA
Phil: I’m a god then introduced Rita to the diner peeps and said someone would drop dishes.

BACK IN THE BEDROOM WITH PHIL
Rita: “Sometimes I wish I had a thousand lifetimes. I don’t know, maybe it’s a curse.”
Phil: “No matter what happens tomorrow or for the rest of my life. All I know is I’m happy right now.”

9. PROFOUND ENDING
Phil wakes up, and time moves forward—a direct payoff for his transformation. He is no longer fighting reality; he has embraced it.
He wins Rita’s love naturally, not through manipulation.
He realizes he’s not repeating the cycle of the timeloop/samsara again it ended because he became a different person.

10. PROFOUND TRUTH
Samsara (the cycle of life/time) isn’t the enemy—attachment to the ego and control is.