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Lesson 1
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I learned that this is an interesting way to analyze a script.
1. This movie is about a man who changes from a jerk to a sensitive, caring human being. Phil starts out as a jaded, egotistical, womanizer who treats everyone badly. He becomes a pillar of the community who helps everyone and earns the love of the woman he adores.
2. Lead Characters
· Rita is the Change Agent. She is a truly kind human being who Phil is able to model.
· Phil is the Transformable Character. At the beginning of the script, he must make many changes before he becomes the man who Rita will love.
· The Oppression is the recurring Groundhog Day.
3. When we see what a jerk Phil is, we are curious how he and the ever-positive Rita will end up together. We connect because most of us have treated people badly at one time or another, experienced an uncomfortable situation that is out of our control, and have looked for love in the wrong places.
4. The old way: Phil is a jaded, cruel, egotistical, womanizer.
The new way: He is a positive, caring, humble man who deeply loves Rita.
5. The gradient of change:
· Phil realizes what he does doesn’t matter. At first this is fun, then he wants to matter.
· As he spends time with Rita, Phil realizes what a jerk he is.
· When he shows Rita what he knows about all the people in the café, we realize he must have become interested in them as people.
· Rita falls asleep beside him and he shares what is in his heart.
· He realizes he is happy because he loves her. (He learns to give, not take.)
6. The old way is challenged when Phil wants Rita to like him. She is a kind, positive person who would only fall in love with someone who is also kind and positive.
His old self believed that, because he was a TV star, he had the right to be cynical, walk over people, and use people in any way he wanted.
7. Profound moments:
· Phil shares what is in his heart while Rita sleeps.
· Phil shows what he knows about the people in the café.
· Phil cares for the old man.
8. Profound lines:
· What if you were stuck in a place, every day was the same, and what you did, didn’t matter.
· No matter what happens for the rest of my life, I am happy now because I love you.
9. Set-ups:
· Phil begins learning to play the piano. — He becomes a jazz pianist with a band.
· Phil treats Ned badly. — Phil buys lots of insurance from Ned.
· Phil ignores the old man. — Phil takes care of the old man.
· Rita tells Phil what she wants in the future. — She achieves it with Phil.
10. The Profound Truth:
You can find love and happiness when you spend your life helping others.
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Joan-
I like how succinctly you answered the questions. No wasted words. I also like how well you summed a big reason for his behavior: “…because he was a TV star, he had the right to be cynical, walk over people, and use people in any way he wanted.” Perfect. Thank you for shedding more light on the film for me.
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I really like that you pointed out and specified he was a womanizer! When he first attempts to woo Rita he is using these womanizing methods. Just helpful for me to pin point!
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Analysis of Groundhog Day by Liz Janzen
Transformational Journey: Going from being a narcissist to a considerate human being, finding love along the way, and changing from a glass half empty to a glass half full outlook on life.
Change Agent: Rita, Phil’s producer. Right character because 1) Phil is already in love with her and 2) because she doesn’t reject Phil during his journey in spite of his behavior.
Transformable Character: Phil, the unhappy prima donna weatherman. Right person for the transformational journey because he is unhappy but also unaware he needs to change his outlook on life, i.e. lack of self-awareness.
The Oppression: the time warp Phil is caught in that makes him repeat Feb. 2 for a week.
How we are lured into the profound journey/ what causes us to connect with this story: We can relate to Phil’s frustration with a situation beyond his control; anticipation of when/how the repetition of Feb. 2 will stop; wanting Phil to begin seeing the error of his ways and waiting for that to happen; Rita’s ability to handle Phil the way she does; the prospect of romance.
Old way of being: sarcastic, self-absorbed, arrogant prima donna who needs to be in control.
New way: Kind, considerate person who goes out of his way to help people AND who embraces what life has to offer him.
The steps in the Gradient Change: the two men Phil drinks with in the bowling alley relay their glass half empty/glass half full philosophy to Phil; he doesn’t let them drive themselves afterward (first instance of helping anyone); asks Rita for help the next day, admitting he’s troubled; discovers there are no consequences to his crazy actions and announces he’s ‘not going to live by their rules anymore’, i.e. he is starting to embrace the idea of change/shrugging off the shackles keeping him the way he is; accepts the fact (instead of being annoyed) at 6 am the next morning that it’s still Feb. 2, showing a degree of equanimity with his situation; tells Rita in the diner his new ‘no consequences’ theory (i.e. letting go of worrying about the future); tells Rita the town is beginning to grow on him (i.e. acceptance of his situation); wakes up happier the next day and reveals his attraction to Rita; asks her what she wants from life and tells Rita ‘what I really want is someone like you.’; WANTS to stay in town – rips the spark plugs out of the TV van; begins trying to reel Rita in and tells her “I think people place too much emphasis on their careers’; unsuccessful seduction attempt makes him grumpy again; gets angry and smashes the clock radio; reaches his nadir with a succession of suicide attempts which he survives, and then encourages Rita to think he’s a god ‘because I want you to believe in me.’; admits to Rita he’s a jerk; she disagrees, indicating to him she has warmed up to him; after the auction they wake up together and the spell is broken: it’s finally no longer Feb. 2; Phil is a completely changed man, asking “Is there anything I can do for you today?” and saying the town is ‘so beautiful.’
How the ‘old way’ is challenged: Phil is stuck in his job, stuck in his arrogant mindset and stuck in his own selfish world. When he becomes stuck in Feb. 2, a succession of events finally forces him to accept what life has to offer him (glass half full point of view), and when he embraces the changes he needs to make, he attains the love of his life.
Profound moments in the movie:
The glass half empty/glass half full talk in the bowling alley.
In the car, headed for the train on the tracks: “Sometimes I think you just have to take big chances.” “I’m not going to live by their rules anymore. You make choices and you live with them.”
Phil, trying to revive the old man on the street, realizes it isn’t going to work and he can’t pretend to be a god any longer – he isn’t the master controller of the day’s events after all.
Confessing his love to Rita: “What I wanted to say is I think you’re the kindest, sweetest, prettiest person I’ve ever met in my life. I’ve never seen anyone that’s nicer to people than you are… I don’t deserve someone like you.”
Phil’s Chekhovian speech on camera on his last day: ‘Winter is a step in life’ etc. and his talk about basking in the warmth of the town citizens’ hearths and hearts: “I couldn’t imagine a better fate than a long and lustrous winter.”
Profound lines in the movie:
Phil: “No matter what happens for the rest of my life I’m happy now. I love you.”
Phil: “I’m a jerk. I’ve killed myself so many times I don’t even exist anymore.”
Rita: “I don’t know, Phil – maybe it’s not a curse. It just depends how you look at it.”
Phil to Rita: “What would you do if you were stuck in one place, and everything was the same and none of it mattered?”
Phil to Rita: “You think I’m acting like this because I’m egocentric?” Rita: “I know you’re egocentric. It’s your defining characteristic.”
How does the ending pay off the setups of this movie: Phil has become a changed man, with something other than his work and himself as the center of his universe.
What is the profound truth of this movie: You will see what life has to offer if you look outside yourself.
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Liz- When I came to this line of yours, I had to stop and reread it. Because it used the theme of ‘stuckness’ so perfectly: “Phil is stuck in his job, stuck in his arrogant mindset and stuck in his own selfish world. When he becomes stuck in Feb. 2, a succession of events finally forces him to accept what life has to offer him (glass half full point of view), and when he embraces the changes he needs to make, he attains the love of his life.”
Thank you for your cogent analysis, especially the notion of being stuck. Perfect!
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Thanks Bob!
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Liz and Bob,
I was rereading the forum from last week to get some inspiration for Assignment 6 and kind of do a self check to see if I am learning this material-it’s pretty deep-you both reminded me of another romcom which has a curmudgeon who transforms in a similar manner, kind of a slow simmer, which is Melvin Udall in As Good As It Gets. If that isn’t a run on sentence, I’ll ask ChatGPT to write me one. Anyhow, a lot of similarities between those two films.
Chris
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Chris Confer’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?
ANSWER: A cynical narcissist becomes a loving, caring person who can be in a relationship with the woman he loves.
Lead characters:
Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change?
ANSWER: Rita is the Change Agent, his love for her makes him want to be a nicer person with a good attitude.
Who is the Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey?
ANSWER: Phil is the Transformable Charater. He’s perfect for this profound journey because the movie starts out with him being sarcastic and narcisistic. He has little regard for other people and their concerns.
What is the Oppression?
ANSWER: The Oppression is Phil’s self centered attitude which really is what the metaphor of living the same day over and over-of treating others with contempt and disregard-is about.
How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
ANSWER: There are glimpses of him becoming human with a joyful attitude that slowly simmer into that. It slowly builds throughout the movie. But not too fast because there is that scene where he punches Ned Ryerson just when it seemed like he was beginning to change.
Looking at the character(s) who are changed the most, what is the profound journey? From “old ways” to “new way of being.” Identify their old way: Identify their new way at the conclusion:
ANSWER: The old way, he treats everyone like crap. The new way, he is happy and very glad to be with Rita.
What is the gradient of the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
ANSWER: Makes fun of her in the TV station set then by the end is very happy to be with her for the rest of his life.
How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
ANSWER: The main thing is the Rita is so pleasant and cheeful and this melts through his self centered cynicism.
What are the most profound moments of the movie?
ANSWER a: The lyrics to I Got You Babe seem like nothing at first but these two lines foreshadow how he ends up with Rita:
“Then put your little hand in mine
There ain’t no hill or mountain we can’t climb”
This is profound because a seemingly insignificant song from the early 1970s is on the clock radio every day at 6 a.m. with the theme of lovers which is where the film ends up.
ANSWER b: Smashing the alarm clock foreshadows that the old way is on its way out of his life. Snow man scenes in the park. Helping the old ladies change their flat tire.
ANSWER c: Driving off the cliff in the quarry. Having nine lives. Keeps coming back to life. What does this mean? It’s never too late to change is what it means.
What are the most profound lines of the movie?
ANSWER: “Do you want to throw up here or in the car?” “Both.” Shows his contempt and cynicism toward people and couldn’t give a care at all for “the hicks” or their property with the slight exception that he does not let the drunk guy fall and injure himself.
And, Rita, “Where did you get that?” Phil, “At the Snowman shop.” This indicates, along with making a snowman, that he is lightening up against the cold background (constant winter setting) of his old way of doing things.
How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
ANSWER: At the beginning he’s disrespecting her in the studio and on the van ride to Puncxsatawny; and every morning at the news events.
At the end he is sharing sweet pillow talk with her and reading poetry to her.
What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
ANSWER: There is hope for a curmudgeon like Phil. Love prevails. It’s never too late to change and if you do you get a quality person like Rita.
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Christopher-
I think one of the clues to the movie’s continued success lies in the words you used to sum up its message: “It’s never too late to change.” There’s hope for everyone in the audience.
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Subject: JD Angle’s Analysis of Groundhog Day
From doing this assignment, I learned that profound moments do not necessarily line up with the beats of the story structure. I also learned that I needed to distinguish between quotes that moved the story forward versus quotes that are really profound. I think I am still trying to differentiate the two.
1) What is the CHANGE this movie is
about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?– Go from being
egotistical and rude, to altruistic and kind. And to stop waiting for
tomorrow, and start being happy in the moment.2) Lead characters:
– Rita is the
change agent. She is kind and happy.– Phil is the
transformable character. He is so self-centered, it will be fun to see
how he tries to change.– What is the Oppression? Phil,
himself. He keeps getting into his own way preventing himself from
change.3) How are we lured into the profound
journey? What causes us to connect with this story?– Phil’s
cynicism is funny and entertaining. And as the audience, just like Phil,
we are trying to figure out what he can do that will stop the cycle of
groundhog day.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 the man, and the world revolves around him. Everyone should be
thankful for Phil, because he will be doing bigger and better things
tomorrow. He hates Punxsutawney.– New way: Phil
is thankful to be alive, living and happy with his life now. He is kind,
generous, and genuinely happy to make others happy. He might even like to
live in Punxsutawney.5) What is the gradient of change? What
steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?– Phil can’t
wait to get this miserable day over with.– Something is
wrong with me.– I can do
whatever I want without consequences.– Get money and
romance women — this is great!– Romance Rita.
– If I check
the right boxes, I can fool her into being with me.– This is
hopeless.– I am
hopeless.– I want to end
it all.– That didn’t
work either, let me at least try to learn new and interesting things to
pass my time.– I am enjoying
myself.– I like
helping others.– I am happy.
– People like
me because I am happy and kind.– Everyone
loves Phil.– Even Rita is
falling in love with Phil.– Phil,
“No matter what happens tomorrow or for the rest of my life, I’m
happy now.”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 old
way is challenged every single day that he has to re-live groundhog day.7) What are the most profound moments
of the movie?– Giving his first Groundhog Day
broadcast and having Rita say, “Can we do it again without the
sarcasm?”– Realizing that all of the trickery
and manipulation is not getting Phil the results he wants.– Willing to risk it all, just to get
out of groundhog day hell, by stealing Punxsutawney Phil and killing both
of them.– Giving the beggar money. Only to
have him die another day. Then trying everything he can to save his life.– Lying next to Rita — the one he
loves — feeling loved and happy.8) What are the most profound lines of
the movie?– Rita “Can we do it again
without the sarcasm?”– Cop “You can go back to
Punxsutawney or you can go ahead and freeze to death. It’s your choice.
So what’s it going to be?” Phil “I’m thinking.”– Drunk at the bowling alley “I
peg you as a glass is half empty kind of guy. Am I right?” Phil,
“What would you do if you were stuck in one place, and every day was
exactly the same, and nothing that you did mattered?”– Rita “Is this what love is for
you?” Phil “This is real love.” Rita “I could never
love someone like you, because you’ll never love anyone but
yourself.”– Larry to the coroner, “He was
a great guy. I really liked him a lot.”– Rita “I don’t know, Phil,
maybe it’s not a curse.”– Ned, “This is the best day of
my life!” Phil, “Mine too.”– Phil “From the first time I
saw you, something happened to me I never told you about. I knew I wanted
to hold you as hard as I could. I don’t deserve someone like you.”– 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.”– Phil, “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?– Live Report:
goes from routine, to dismissive, to amazing in a way that warms the
hearts of the whole community.– Strangers in
peril that he used to ignore, to helping everyone around him– Fred &
Debbie: from exposing that she’s having second thoughts, to “fanning
the flames of passion” to getting them married.– Ned
insurance: No interest, to insulting, to buying every policy he sold.
“This is the best day of my life.”– Rita’s
interest in Phil: from no interest, to “I could never love someone
like you”, to paying for an evening with Phil, to falling in love– Larry’s
relationship: from taken for granted and dismissive, to curiosity about
his life and asking for his approval.– Punxsutawney:
from not wanting to stay an extra second in Punxsutawney, to “Let’s
live here!”10) What is the Profound Truth of this
movie?– Be kind.
Happiness is a choice.-
You had me at your first paragraph: “I needed to distinguish between quotes that moved the story forward versus quotes that are really profound.”
I’m going to be adding that distinction to my next ‘close viewing’ of a movie. Thank you for sharing that dilemma.
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Marilynne’s Analysis of Groundhog Day
What I learned doing this assignment is that using the 10 questions made me look at different things in the movie that I hadn’t seen before.
We are looking at this movie from the perspective of the change that occurs for the lead character and the audience.
1. The CHANGE this movie is about – someone who blames everyone around him for his unhappiness to someone who takes responsibility for creating his own happiness – making the changes he needs to make.
Transformational Journey – Going from being dissatisfied with his life as a local TV weatherman (scrooge to everyone – “people are morons”) to being happy with his life that now includes the woman he loves.
2. Lead characters
o Change Agent (the one causing the change) – is the relentlessly cheerful producer Rita; she is the right character to cause this change for two reasons: she is the opposite of Phil and already living a happy life (vision) and he wants her to like him/has a crush on her.
o Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) is the TV weatherman Phil Connors; he is the right character to deliver this profound journey because he has the farthest to go and potentially struggle the most to change
o The Oppression is Phil being stuck in a time loop and repeating the same day over and over – the worst day of his life – until he gets it right
3. We are lured into the profound journey when we realize, at the same time Phil does. that his day is being repeated – he hears exactly the same thing on the radio, meets the same people doing and saying the same things. Wonder how long he can go on re-living this day. Phil says he’s feeling weird, drops his mic and walks off, causing us to connect with this story.
4. As the character who changed the most, the profound journey for Phil from “old ways” to “new way of being” was:
His old way:
o rude, obnoxious (doesn’t remember Ned Ryerson – from his high school)
o puts people down – asks Mrs. Lancaster if there’s any chance of getting an espresso or cappuccino. She stumbles about not knowing what he is asking for and he says under his breath “you probably don’t even know how to spell it.”
o prima donna, thinks he’s “the talent” of the broadcast team
o sarcastic, on the air announces a giant “rat” just predicted the weather
o egocentric
His new way at the conclusion:
o Kind, helpful
o Saving people from accidents
o Speaks to people in positive way
2. The gradient of change was from a total jerk to someone who was kind and caring.
Steps the Transformational Character went through as he was changing included:
a. Total jerk, disrespectful and rude to everyone he meets and talks to
b. Realizes he is trapped in a time loop and without tomorrow there are no consequences to his behavior: Phil and his 2 drunk buddies get into the car. He asks: “What if there were no tomorrow?” They immediately respond: “No tomorrow? That would mean there would be no consequences, no hangover. We could do whatever we wanted.”
c. Goes all out on the no consequences for bad habits: Breakfast with Rita he says he doesn’t worry about anything anymore (smoking, gaining weight, eating donuts for breakfast). That’s what makes him special.
d. He begins to realize he can use this repeating day to his advantage:
§ He meets “Nancy Taylor” and finds out her high school and English teacher. Later he uses this info to pretend they are old friends and seduce her.
§ He does something outrageous like robbing a bank truck because he knows their routine and there are no consequences.
§ He learns more about Rita every day with the intent to seduce her – asks who her perfect guy would be, what she drinks, likes/dislikes. He mirrors these to get her to fall in love with him.
e. He thinks he’s got the time loop down, but when he tells Rita he loves her, it backfires. He knows everything about her and has been pretending to be just like her. But in her eyes, he is still the same selfish, self-absorbed guy.
f. He hits rock bottom: drinks, gets mean in his predictions about the groundhog, smashes his clock radio when it comes on at 6am, kidnaps the groundhog and drives over a cliff, killing them both; toaster in the bathtub, hit by a truck, dives off a building and his body is identified by Rita and Larry
g. When he realizes he loves Rita, the only chance of her loving him is to improve himself and actually become her “perfect guy”: intelligent (learns French poetry), romantic (carves Rita’s face in an ice block), courageous (saves a man from choking), kind (helps elderly ladies by changing their flat tie), plays an instrument (learns to play the piano).
3. The “old way” was challenged by Phil getting to know Rita and thinking that was all he had to do to change how she felt about him.
Beliefs that were challenged that caused Phil to shift his perspective…and make the change:
· Believes people are morons and people who live in small towns are “hicks”; It is beneath him to be assigned to the small town covering a weather-telling groundhog. BUT when he learns about the town and their history, he actually likes it and decides to stay.
· Believes he can get Rita to love him simply by knowing everything about her, but this fails. Realizes he really loves her and must change himself.
· Believes he can convince Rita he is in this repeating time loop but his previous behavior makes that difficult. They spend the “perfect day” together and Phil realizes two things that spur on his changes:
o The worst thing about the day is that tomorrow she won’t remember it.
o How great she is, he doesn’t deserve someone like her, but if he ever could he’d love her the rest of his life.
The next day he wakes up without her and starts treating people differently – beginning with his crew.
He starts to use the endless time loop he’s in to improve himself
· Takes piano lessons and finally gets good at it.
· Becomes an accomplished ice sculptor
· Gives the homeless man all his money and takes him to the hospital where he dies of “old age.” Phil tries to prevent this happening by looking after the man.
· Learns how to save a man from choking.
· Learns about the history of the town and the groundhog – gives a nice speech about the importance of both
· He says he has “errands” to run and goes about saving people he knows will be in danger – catches a kid who falls out of a tree, changes the tire for 3 elderly ladies, saves a man from choking.
The most profound moments of the movie were:
· Phil leaves a broken pencil beside his clock radio and finds it in one piece the next morning proving the repeated loop he is in is real.
· At the end of a “perfect” day he tells Rita he loves her, but she sees through his game of thinking that knowing things about her means he knows and loves her. He really hasn’t changed at all from the kind of guy she could never love – someone who could only love himself.
· Rita “buys” Phil at the bachelor auction for $300 – from the town’s reaction she realizes he’s changed and she no longer despises him
· Phil realizes he genuinely loves Rita and wants to change to be worthy of her love
· Even though he can save people from deadly accidents and misfortunes, he realizes he can’t save the old man who dies of old age.
4. The most profound lines of the movie were:
· To the phone company inquiring about repairs to the long distance lines: “What if there is no tomorrow? There wasn’t one today!”
· Phil talking to guys at the bar: “What would you do if you were stuck in one place, and everything was exactly the same and nothing you did mattered?” One of the guys responds: “That sums it up for me” (and probably Phil’s life as well).
· After he carves her face into a block of ice:Rita: “It’s beautiful. I don’t know what to say.Phil: I do. No matter what happens tomorrow or for the rest of my life, I’m happy now because I love you.
· When Phil is expecting to wake up still in the time loop, he isn’t very romantic. When the time loop is broken, he is much more amorous.
o Rita: Why weren’t you like this yesterday?
o Phil: It was the end of a very long day.
5. The ending pays off the setups of this movie:
· Takes piano lessons – plays for the final Groundhog festivities party and shows he is a good guy
· He saves people and at the party many townspeople come by to thank him for his kindness
· Learns to be a master sculptor and impresses Rita with his skills; beautifully carves the image of her face into an ice block
· Learns to speak French and can read French poetry to her
· Finds true love and breaks the cycle of groundhog day.
6. The Profound Truth of this movie: you have to be willing to improve yourself, to get it right, before you can find true love.
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I just got access to day 1 materials and am revising my answers. Will post them later.
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I really like how you summed up the message in your last sentence:
“Phil realizes that he needs to find a purpose in life and that he has the responsibility and power to do so. It’s by taking charge of his life that he finds happiness.”
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Hi Cheryl,
I didn’t know where to find the 10 questions to analyse Groundhog Day so I used the list that Hal provided from the opening audio.
I encountered problems when I tried to access the lessons shown on the course outline page. I could not go pass the first step. When I clicked on the next step, I received an error message saying that I’d need to go back and complete the previous step, which I did complete.
Would you please follow up with technical support on this matter? I did report this error to them.
Thank you kindly,
Vivien
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I learned the importance of leaving the audience with a profound resolution and the everlasting effects. I learned what it is to go on a journey with a character.
1. What
is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of
this movie?It’s really about the development of character. Transforming a sarcastic
and egocentric anchor into a very admirable and good moral human being.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 the setting and repetition of Groundhog Day until the
protagonist transforms or evolves.Rita is also a change agent to the protagonist because she has higher
standards in the type of man she inspires to be with, and Phil doesn’t
match any of that criteria, until he transforms into an impressive human
being.-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 a funny and snob, who openly
says things that most people often think. So the audience is
automatically intrigued by his verbiage, jokes, and bluntness and can
relate.-What
is the Oppression?
The oppression is Groundhog Day and whatever force is behind the loop.3. How
are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with
this story?We’re lured into the journey with protagonists comic slander but what locks
the audience in is waking up with Phil on the first day and discovering
its Groundhogs day again. Further as he dives deeper into the journey, he’s
doing things the audience is wondering, what it he tried…? So answering our
what if’s but in humorous fashion.Going to the same job everyday can drive you sick. Being fed up. Loneliness.
We can relate on some level, unless you’re filthy rich.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 character was a complete asshole treating people and work
colleagues like morons. The character is unfulfilled and seeking change.The new way is taking time to listen, conversate, and pay attention to the
needs of others.From egocentric to humility.
From defeat to surrender.5. What
is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character
go through as they were changing?First its seeking help from experts who dismiss him. Second is multiple
attempts at suicide. Then it’s chasing the woman he likes and trying to
cheat her into a one night engagement. Third, learning new skills and
developing. Last is taking those new skills to help others. Finally love
transforms him into the best version of himself, and he can’t be happier.6. How is
the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main
character to shift their perspective…and make the change?Rita rejecting him countless number of times.
Sir Walter Scott’s poem, forces him to revaluate who he is.7. What
are the most profound moments of the movie?1:14 Moment of realization that he’s in love with Rita.
1:20 Feels moment of Grief over the loss of the homeless man, he tried to
be there for.8. What
are the most profound lines of the movie?Friends don’t let friends drive drunk.
We could do whatever we want.
I’m not going to live by their rules anymore.
You make choices and you live with them.9. How
does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?A funny moment was Ed the insurance salesman from High school. Phil starts
off by not remembering him to buying every policy the guy has to offer, not
aware that it’s the final day of the loop.It also goes as far as resolving every injury or mishap that the
townspeople went through that day. Phil was at the scene and prepared to
assist everyone.10. What
is the Profound Truth of this movie?The profound truth is you have to look deep within yourself to discover
all the good inside, and the moment you realize it and bring it to fruition,
you grow.-
Alfonso-
Thank you for simply putting out what you learned in your first sentence:
“I learned the importance of leaving the audience with a profound resolution…”
“Write toward a profound resolution” is now on a Post-It Note near my laptop.🙂
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Hope’s analysis of GROUNDHOG DAY
What I learned: I’ve seen this movie oodles of time and always put it down as a quirky, well-written flick. But this time I saw that Ramos built such a careful journey for Phil to take and no line and no event was a throwaway line or event. Everything fit together to get us to the end, celebrating with Phil.
What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
* A self-centered man learns that doing for others and looking outside of himself brings him much more joy and purpose.
Lead characters: Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change?
* I’d say the change agent is the mysterious never-ending day, not a character. That gives Phil the never-ending time to look outside of himself — and discover Rita in a whole new way than he saw her in the studio that first day.
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 transformable character, is forced to make this journey, and he’s the right person for the journey because he has the most to lose and to gain.
<font face=”inherit”>* He’s also the person with whom most of us can identify: Ourselves on our minds; </font>cynicism<font face=”inherit”> is our default; always busy with often-rote tasks — and never quite living the lives we expected/planned for ourselves.</font>
What is the Oppression?
* That Phil must relive the day until he gets it right.
How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
* We live through a typical day for Phil and we can identify with his frustration at not being where he expected to be at this point in his life, including not receiving the recognition he is SURE he’s entitled to. At this point, we’re Phil in a lot of ways.
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:
What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
* So interesting to see and map out!
1. Phil begins as a self-absorbed jerk to others.
2. Phil is then confused and frightened by the repeating day — he’s lost all control over his future. His old self even asks Rita for help.
3. Then Phil decides to do whatever he wants — relishing NO consequences. He’s lies, plots, steals, and takes advantage of people even more than before.
4. Discovering no joy in that, he goes into a deep depression and commits suicide over and over. That doesn’t solve his problem either, and he decides he must be a god.
5. He asks Rita what she’d do if a day kept repeating. She is the person who says maybe that’s not a curse.
6. Now Phil, who’s been watching and remembering for his own advantages, uses that skill to benefit others — and he finds joy again (even without losing his edge).
7. Now Phil DOES get the notoriety he’d always wanted, and it came out of giving of himself (not taking).
How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
* See above.
What are the most profound moments of the movie?
* Watching Phil’s reaction to others throughout the meeting (e.g., ignoring the panhandler to feeding him to caring about him to mourning him; helping a couple as they begin their married life; saving the boy from falling and saving the choking victim; becoming the life of the town and life of the party AFTER he’s put others first. As scripture says, “The first shall become last and the last shall become first.)
What are the most profound lines of the movie?
* “What would you do if you were stuck in one place and everything was exactly the same and nothing you did mattered,” Phil asks the two guys in the bowling alley. “That about sums it up,” says the dude.
* “I don’t worry about anything anymore. I don’t even floss.”
* “It’s cold out there everyday.” “It’s going to be cold. It’s going to be gray, and it’s going to last the rest of your life.”
*To Rita, finally, while she sleeps: “I’ve never seen anyone nicer than you are … I don’t deserve someone like you, but if I ever could, I swear I would love you for the rest of my life.”
<font face=”inherit”>* His final Groundhog Day news report, “I couldn’t imagine a better fate than a long, </font>lustrous<font face=”inherit”> winter …”</font>
How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
* Now Phil is a real hero who’s discovered notoriety by giving himself away and putting himself second to others.
What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
<font face=”inherit”>* Putting others first is really the only way to find a </font>fulfilling<font face=”inherit”> life. Basically, doing unto others as you want them to do unto you can have a pretty fabulous payoff.</font>
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1. What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
Phil Connors transforms from an egocentric and selfish “primadona” with no real talent to a generous and helpful person who seizes the day.
2. Lead characters:
Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change? Rita is the change agent because she represents the end of Phil’s transformative arc. She is generous, down-to-earth, and cultured.
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 transformative character. His flaws prevent him from a relationship with Rita and a fulfilling life.
What is the Oppression? Every day is Groundhog Day, Phil’s least favorite day. Phil is stuck in a time loop.
3. How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story? The concept of a time loop is fascinating. We wonder how Phil will get out of it. It’s also interesting how the supporting characters change their behaviors and actions when Phil changes.
4. Looking at the character(s) who are changed the most, what is the profound journey? From “old ways” to “new way of being.” Identify their old way: Identify their new way at the conclusion: Phil’s “old way”: selfish, egocentric, sarcastic, and acts like a spoiled celebrity (a mask for his self-hatred). Phil’s “new way”: generous, helpful, selfless, talented, and lives in the moment.
5. What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
– Complains about his job and Groundhog Day
– Confused, less mean, but he repeats the same mistakes
– In a rush, avoids the same conversations, wants Rita to solve his problem
– Rebellious, reckless, suicidal, and puts people in danger
– Plays and womanizes women
– Tries to win Rita over by pretending to be her perfect man
– Pushy, impatient, and pressures Rita
– Apathy, bitter, and gives up on life
– Commits suicide many times.
– Sees himself as a god. Honest and authentic.
– Generous (helps the old man, gets his colleagues coffee and food) and is helpful at work
– Takes piano lessons and learns how to make ice sculptures (seizes the day)
– Rita falls in love with the man he becomes.
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 believes that he is better than everyone else, which isolates him and prevents him from winning over Rita. He is bitter about his life and the situation he finds himself in. When he shifts his focus from “me” to others, he becomes a better man.
7. What are the most profound moments of the movie?
– When Phil commits suicide with the groundhog inside the car.
– When Phil calls himself a god.
– When Rita buys Phil at the auction and he makes an ice-sculpture of her.
– When Phil masters the piano and plays at the party.
8. What are the most profound lines of the movie?
– “You’ll never love anyone but yourself,” said Rita. “That’s not true. I don’t even like myself,” Phil responds.
– “I’m a God…. I’m an Immortal. I want you to believe in me.”
– “The first time I saw you I knew I wanted to hold you as tight as I can.”
– “I don’t deserve someone like you. But if I ever could, I swear I would love you for the rest of my life.”
9. How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
Rita waking up next to Phil the next day was a satisfying ending. He transformed into a better man, and found true love.
10. What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
Sometimes we get stuck in our trivial problems. The film shows the power of generosity and taking advantage of our time on Earth.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 3 months ago by Ashley Sarikaya.
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Ashley-
I love that you shared that gorgeous line at the end of the film. The line that showed how far he had come over to his new way of thinking while admitting the failure of the old way:
“I don’t deserve someone like you. But if I ever could, I swear I would love you for the rest of my life.”
Thank you for reminding me of that tender, transformational moment. Phil has done a complete 180 and come into the light.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 3 months ago by
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Bob Zaslow’s analysis of Groundhog Day.
The key learning for me was an important insight into adjusting the play I’m now working on, which also includes a main character who the audience will initially dislike because he is vain, proud, and condescending. He then goes on to descend into his own personal hell by avenging the wrongs done to him with worse wrongs. I’m now clear that I will have the character’s journey lead to an awakening to a new way of thinking about his life.
This learning is key to adding the ‘profound’ element to a play that I had originally intended to write it without much thought to a serious theme. (Thank you, Hal.)
In Groundhog Day, the lead character, Phil, takes a long time to undergo a transformation. To me, that is both a source of its great humor and its wisdom about human nature. And it may also be why we begin to care about him so much. Somewhere along the line, I admired his tenacity in fighting to stick to his ‘old ways.’ He did not give up easily to the antagonist, which is some version of Karma or Fate.
I think most of us root for a struggling character, despite his flaws, and often because of them.
Turning to the questions, the ‘transformational journey’ is Phil’s changing from an egocentric-based existence to an inclusive one, where there is room for others to be nourished and cared for. And with it, the realization that loving is more joyous a feeling than even getting loved or heaped with accolades.
The ‘change agent’ is Rita, his producer. (We first see her against a green screen, a sort of free-spirited angel in the clouds.) Without her existence being antithetical to everything Phil is, without her kindness and openness, I don’t know if Phil would have felt motivated to make that change from his old ways. He saw a goodness that outshined even her beauty, which stirred something he may have once felt but had disappeared from his life years ago.
On his third day in this hell, Phil asks the guys at the gar, “What would you do if you woke up and every day was the same? And nothing else mattered?”
And one of the guys looks down and admits, “That sums it up for me.”
I wonder how many in the audience reluctantly admitted that they sometimes felt the same way. I think that’s when I really began to feel ‘lured in’ to Phil’s plight. Yes, he’s still a jerk, but, maybe like me, a jerk in trouble. That’s the moment I started to root for him to dig himself out of it.
But this journey is replete with setbacks and old assumptions. “I don’t worry about anything anymore. It’s what makes me so special!” Phil says. But his words ring hollow.
In addition, he tries to ‘make’ Rita love him with the knowledge of her life he gleans. And while this initially impresses her the same way a magician’s sleight-of-hand wows an audience, it’s only temporary, and when she senses that the rabbit’s hidden in his coat, she rejects him over and over again.
The epiphany for Phil, and for the audience, occurs when the homeless guy dies and Phil tries to keep him alive. He learns from the nurse, “It was just his time.”
Just his time– the very thing Phil has a seemingly unlimited supply of, but still, he is incapable of changing time’s flight for anyone else.
To me, that was the beginning of Phil’s shift to ‘the new ways’ of thinking and experiencing the world. He gave up the old, ‘me, me, me,’ orientation in exchange for a life of support, kindness, and comfort for others. We can see something shift. He begins to lose himself and, in return, finds joy. That shift is what finally broke Fate’s chain and allowed Phil to have his life back, only now, far richer, truer, and about ‘you, you, you.’
So for me, the ‘Profound Truth’ of Groundhog Day is that you are the only one who has the choice to give your life meaning. Don’t wait for another 6:00 AM. Do it now.
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Wow! Identifying Rita against the green screen as a free-spirited angel in the clouds, was a brilliant observation. I do not know if it was intended by the writers, but if it wasn’t, it should’ve been.
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Bob: You nicely identified the story’s hook for the audience here: “I wonder how many in the audience reluctantly admitted that they sometimes felt the same way. I think that’s when I really began to feel ‘lured in’ to Phil’s plight. Yes, he’s still a jerk, but, maybe like me, a jerk in trouble. That’s the moment I started to root for him to dig himself out of it.” Steve McC
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What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie? A cold dead shadow of a man is forced to exam his attitudes,behavior and the course of his lonely life and is resurrected through his attraction and burgeoning love for a woman who shows him the power of kindness.Lead characters:
Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change?
Rita–the new producer, a fresh-faced beauty–and “upbeat lady” who is playful, kind, open to the charm of small town life. Her actual job is to get Phil to project his personality through the camera. She has a willingness to be open to him despite his prickliness…and he is attracted to her.
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 cynical, weatherman, just going through the motions. He is so bitter, he has nowhere to go but death or getting sweeter What is the Oppression? The grind of mundane life and routine and meaningless communication–the delusional lure of bigger things somewhere out there, just over the horizon (or the rainbow).
How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story? The fish out of water–the ultimate cynic, claiming he’s wanted by a Big Network, is thrust into thee ultimate small town and its old-fashioned ritual and relentless cheerfulness. And the intriguing contrast of Rita and Phil–how will these two ever get along???
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 glib, insincere; a snarky cynic who has nothing nice to say about anything or anyone. He demeans all people and comes on to women in crass, impersonal (soulless? dehumanizing) ways.
Identify their new way at the conclusion: He is charitable to all people, acknowledges his emotional vulnerability and approaches Rita with tender affection, and sincere communcations; his eyes are open to the beauty and charm and other good qualities of the small town and the people and its traditions.
What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing? He must suffer through a whole day of hell for himself, wanting only to get done and get out—then it all starts over again; slowly realizes the situation–comes to conclusion that life has no consequences–he an behave as stupidly, recklessly, illegally as he wants. And the next day–a repeat of the same day–it will be wiped clean. But he sees the worst of himself, ending up in jail. And this shakes him to reconsider how he’s approaching this “curse”. He then indulges every childish appetite, whim, and fantasy he ever had (food, drink, smoke, fast cars, hitting on women in manipulative ways only to coldly discard her, dressing in costume like his childhood movie hero, and having a new woman dress in “french maid’s” outfit)… But he thenn uses the situation to try to hook up with Rita…but it is still manipulative…using information to falsely win her–con her. All this backfires again and again–still he is repeatedly fails and is repeatedly slappeed in the face. Then falls back into morose drunken despair. Each time, he gets more sincere, more direct—but also he takes action to be a better person.How is the “old way” challenged? There is no escaping the situation. He has to learn to live with it, and the strangeness of the repeated day forces him to see the world anew–like its a new planet and pay attention to what is going on. He more and more realizes his attraction to Rita and that renews every “new” day and as he falls for her, his old crass, cynical way are getting in the way of making things happen wiith her.
What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change? He believes all women (all people, really) are objects for his attractions and sour pleasures or for his service and demeaning; he believes small town people are hicks and rubes and should be treated with contemptuous sarcasm and avoided as much as possible. He sees nothing of charm or value in the small town and its people.
What are the most profound moments of the movie? Phil’s two low points, realizing how bad things are: Ending one day in prison and one day getting drunk with the hotel residents watching jeopardy, which he already knows the answers. The two deaths of the old man–the second one when he make every effort to keep him alive but then stares up at the heavens–recognition of inevitable mortality. Learning to play the Rachmaninoff romantic theme. The ice sculpture; waking to find that she is there, the curse is broken and he is changed. His final report on the event—a paean to the virtues of the small town and the charms of the people.
What are the most profound lines of the movie? The Walter Scott verse is a “profound” epigram of the movie but Andi McDowell kind of blows the delivery of it….”I need someone to give me a good slap in the face.” … HER: “I think you need help.” HIM: “That’s what I’ve been trying to say: I NEED HELP.” … “I’ve look at your face so much I could have done it (the ice sculpture) with my eyes closed.” … “No matter what happens tomorrow, I’m happy now because I love you” … “First time I saw you, something happened to me…You’re the kindest etc–I don’t deserve someone like you…But I swear I would love you for the rest of my life.” … HER: “Are you for real? Are you trying to make me look like a fool?” HIM: “I’m trying to talk how normal people talk.” (We realize he doesn’t know how to be real, to be normal–he’s trying for the first time)
How does the ending payoff the setups <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>of this movie? Miserable winter becomes Winter Wonderland in his new vision. He now wants to live there forever with her after all the contempt and blindness to its good qualities.
What is the Profound Truth of this movie? <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Love and Happiness Come to Those Who First Give Love and Happiness. Embrace Life as it Is, not as you think it should be.
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So many great insights here, Steven. I never gave the Walter Scott poem its due.
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What I learned from this assignment: I gained a greater appreciation of how each building block keeps the story moving forward and how the conclusion gains all of its power by the accumulated force of that motion.
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Does anyone have any tips on formatting for these posts on this forum?
Some of your posts look beautifully formatted; while mine looks fragmented with broken sentences, random margins and messed up characters. I originally tried to copy/paste from OneNote and that wouldn’t even paste in the Forum. So I copied that to Word, fixed all the formatting problems, copy/paste again. It pasted but it was messed up. I fixed all the formatting before I hit send. When I hit send, all of the formatting messed up even worse.
I welcome any and all advice. Thanks! JD
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JD, I didn’t worry about formatting my answer to match a particular set of guidelines. Instead, I wrote my answers as an essay that tried to incorporate all the questions. This exercise is for each one of us, after all. Hal is not grading us.
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What I learned from the movie was showing an emotional change with the character, through his actions, brought the audience with him.
QUESTIONS FOR THE MOVIE
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 Phill’s personality from nasty to caring.
He went from nasty, to didn’t care what the consequences, to calculating what actions would get the girl, to giving up the chase, to trying to help others, to ultimately finding his own happiness by putting others first.
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 town and reoccurring day is the change agent.
o Who is the Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey?
Phill, the weatherman, is the character who makes the journey. He is the one character in<font face=”inherit”> the whole town who needed to change the most.</font>
o What is the Oppression?
Waking up every morning to the same music and knowing the day was starting all over again.
3. How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
Watching Phill go through the personality changes, caused by the emotional shift, created by his actions. We are connected emotionally as he learns.
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:
From nasty and sarcastic, to grateful for what he has and caring.
5. What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
Nasty…no consequences…calculating actions…giving up…trying to help others…grateful for what he has.
6. How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
His previous nasty character couldn’t stand daily interactions with the same people over and over. He adapted to have better interactions. He began to care about Rita and her revelations about looking for a caring and loving man pushed him to start looking at his own actions.
7. What are the most profound moments of the movie?
Driving down the train tracks. Being slapped by the girl repeatedly. Not being able to die. Not being able to save the old man. Finding satisfaction in helping others. Spending the last precious moments of the day with the girl he loves.
8. What are the most profound lines of the movie?
No matter what happens for the rest of my life, I am happy now because I love you.
9. How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
He wants the girl of his dreams but doesn’t get her until his personality is worthy. This involves bettering himself as a man and raising his own self-esteem through his actions.
10. What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
You have to be lovable to be loved.
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Brenda- I like the directness of what you learned: <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>showing an emotional change with the character, through his actions, brought the audience with him.
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>
Just keeping that notion of ‘showing an emotional change’ will now become a key for me when sitting at my laptop and thinking about where I’m going to take my next pages.
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1. An arrogant weather reporter is living an unfulfilled life. He’s considering leaving his job & making a change in his life but he’s too miserable to take the plunge. He finds himself reliving the same day and learns to make the most of everyday life. He finds purpose and meaning in helping others and engaging with the world around him which leads to him falling in love.
2. Lead characters:
Change Agent: Rita
Transformable Character: Phil
Oppression: Groundhog Day
3. We are lured into the profound journey by the mundane aspect of a life that is not being fully lived by a main character who is feeling stuck and uninspired.
4. Phil transforms from a self-centered, miserable narcissist to a helpful, thoughtful and engaged member of the community.
5. What is the gradient the change?
He is cynical toward Rita & makes fun of her positive attitude & outlook.
He doesn’t engage with the beggar, avoids and ridicules his high school friend.
He lives without consequences while stuck in Groundhog Day.
Tries to seduce Rita with insincere, manipulative ways that do not work.
Drives off the cliff in the pick up truck to become ‘unstuck’ and break from his ways.
When there’s nothing to lose, he takes more chances in his life.
He looks for opportunities to learn & help the community.
He changes his outlook and becomes a more kind and caring person, making him attractive to Rita.
When Rita falls asleep next to him, he finally expresses his love & admiration.
6. What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
His self-centered beliefs were challenged and he began to engage with the world & people around him.
7. What are the most profound moments of the movie?
Phil expresses his feelings genuinely.
Phil helps the old man – was it his father?
Phil kills his old ways and is reborn every morning with a better perspective.
Phil finally escapes Groundhog day with the help of Rita’s love and a future together.
8. What are the most profound lines of the movie?
– What would you do if you were stuck in one place and everyday was exactly the same & nothing you did matters?
– Sometimes you have to take big chances.
– I don’t worry about anything anymore.
– I don’t even like myself.
– I’ve come to the end of me, Rita.
– I am happy now because I love you.
9. How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
All of Phil’s shift to a more positive & altruistic attitude: the beggar, the highschool friend, genuine feelings, looking for ways to help others rather than only looking after himself.
10. What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
Life is what you make it. By shifting your outlook and engaging with others in helpful ways, you invite happiness, fulfillment and love into your life.
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Hi Cheryl,
I think I received a message from you, but I can’t find it. If you send it to me again, I’ll try to do better.
Thanks.
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1 What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie? The change in this movie is about learning how to be happy through shifting from a selfish & cynical mentality to one that focuses on giving to others and forming genuine relationships with them. I think in a broader sense it is also about learning to appreciate the small things in life and whatever situation you find yourself in finding the beauty. <div>
Lead characters:
Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change? Rita. She is the right person to cause the change because she is kind and optimistic.
Who is the Transformable Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character to deliver this profound journey? Phil. He is the right character to deliver this profound journey because he is a pessimistic, selfish asshole and we all have a little bit of that in us.
What is the Oppression? Being stuck on Ground Hog day indefinitely.
How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story? We can connect to Phil’s dissatisfaction with life and we are intrigued by the situation he finds himself in and how he will choose to react to it.
Looking at the character(s) who are changed the most, what is the profound journey? From “old ways” to “new way of being.” Identify their old way: Identify their new way at the conclusion:
Old Ways: Phil hates his life and yet makes himself the sole center of it. He doesn’t live in the moment and just tries to get through his horrible life thinking a new better job will fix it. He berates the people around him. He is alone.
New Way At End: By the end he has learned how to make the most of what he has and connect & care about people. Through this he finds self love and becomes a person Rita can fall in love with. He wants to stay in Punxsutawney.
What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?1) He knows he is unhappy and is trying to get a better job he thinks will make him happier.
2) Trying to make the most of being stuck on Feb. 2nd but still operating from a selfish place (using others, pulling one over on them, not forming deep connections, committing reckless crimes).
3) He realizes he cares for Rita and tries to win her over by planning and tricking her with the perfect day.
4) When Step 3 & 4 don’t work he becomes depressed and gives up on happiness by trying to kill himself.
5) When he realizes he can’t kill himself in abandon he tries out honesty with Rita and is able to form a real connection.
6) The real connection with Rita inspires him to see the beauty in reliving everyday and choose to help others and also nurture himself.
7) He has come to peace with himself and come to care not only about Rita but everyone in the town and himself. In doing so he sees the beauty in life. He is happy. Rita is now the one pursuing him. He wakes up with Rita and can continue on to the next day.
<div>
</div>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 he literally cannot continue on with his life by a miracle of the universe. He is forced to come to terms with how he lives an ordinary day. He is also challenged in the way he approaches things when his initial attempts at wooing Rita and getting her to bed don’t work. He is further challenged when he can’t even escape through suicide.
</div><div>
What are the most profound moments of the movie?
-Seeing the old man die again and again.
-Waking up for the first time again on February 2nd.
-Trying to kill himself then first time.
-Becoming a beaming member of the community.
-Becoming a high level pianist and ice sculpture artist
-Saving peoples lives
-Showing kindness to his sideman
What are the most profound lines of the movie? <div>
“What would you do if you were stuck in one place and every day was exactly the same, and nothing that you did mattered?” – Phil
“The wost part is that tomorrow you will have forgotten all about this and you’ll treat me like a jerk again.” -Phil
“It doesn’t make any difference. I’ve killed myself so many times, I don’t even exist anymore.” -Phil
Well, sometimes I wish I had a thousand lifetimes. I don’t know Phil maybe it’s not a curse. It depends on how you look at it.” -Rita
“No matter what happens tomorrow or for the rest of my life, I’m happy now because I love you.” -Phil
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</div>How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie? He is really a near unbearable asshole at the beginning of the film and by the end it’s fun to watch his 180 transformation and how he really has become a part of a community.
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What is the Profound Truth of this movie? True happiness comes from giving to others, connecting with others, doing things you truly enjoy, cultivating who you are, and being honest.
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Ronald Barker
Analysis of Groundhog Day
What I learned doing this assignment is… I learned another way of consciously watching a movie. Before I’d watch for enjoyment and figure the plot out as it played. Now I am more focused on what I’m seeing and experiencing.
1. What is the CHANGE this movie is about? The change is about Phil’s, the main character, self-centeredness, and callousness toward others and becoming positive person in his relationships with other people.
What is the Transformational Journey? … It is the journey of living a life of criticism and being unappreciation of life in general and finding joy in the simple everyday things around you.
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 changer agent is time, the clock on the nightstand, the day never changes it keeps repeating itself. It is the right character, if you will, that won’t let his life move forward.
o Who is the Transformational Character (the one who makes the change) and what makes them the right character of deliver the profound journey? … Phi is the transformational character that makes the change in himself from being insensitive of everyone he interacts with. He is the right character because until you’re ready personally to change your circumstances nothing happens.
o What is Oppression? …It is the thing that ways us down and keeps us from discovering our joy.
3. How are we lured into the profound journey? What cause us to connect with the story?… We lured by our sympathy for Phil’s plight of being a prisoner unable to move on in his life. If people cannot overcome life obstacles, they can’t find happiness.
4. Looking at the character(s) who changes the most, what is the profound journey? From “old ways” to “new way of being.” Identify the old way. Identify their new way at the conclusion: …The character who changes the most is Phil. The profound journey was becoming a man who was reckless and loveless to one who becomes tender, affectionate and reaches out to other people.
5. What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go throughs as they were changing?… The steps and things that Phil went through that changed his personality and he became interested in someone else besides himself. He had fun in a snowball skirmish and helped elder people is need.
6. How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a major character shift their perspective …and make the change? The old way is challenged when Phil gets stuck in time. The days start to repeat themselves and he does everything all over again. The beliefs and actions of Phi mistreating everyone around him, and nothing goes right for him. He thinks he’s 100% going to check out of the inn, but unexpected snowstorm changes that. He wakes up every morning and the clock never goes beyond 6:00 A.M. and he’s reliving the same day over and over.
7. What is the most profound moment in the movie. When Phi is happy now and not in the future. He looks out the window of his room and finally see a different street scene. is tom.
8. What is the most profound line in the movie? Today is tomorrow.
9. How does the ending payoff setups of this movie? Don’t look for happiness outside of you. Create it yourself as Phil did by extending his involvement in the positive.
10. What is the profound truth of the movie? Being self-centered is a recipe for unhappiness.
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Connie Diletti – Analysis of ‘Groundhog Day’
What I learned from doing this assignment is that when you stay open and ask the right questions, a movie you’ve seen many times can still surprise you! I literally watched Groundhog Day on Groundhog Day this year and wowsa, this movie is both profound and entertaining! What a great first assignment!
1. What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
The change in this movie is about self-actualization.
The primary transformational journey follows Phil Connors as he transforms himself from someone who is stuck, resentful and stingy to someone who is living with a greater sense of authenticity, generosity and an open heart.
2. Lead characters:
a. 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 who causes the change by being her authentic self. She effortlessly shows Phil that you can be kind, thoughtful and generous. It’s her authenticity and open heart that hold the space for Phil to transform himself into a better version of himself.
b. 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 is the Transformable Character. He is the perfect character to deliver this profound journey as his ‘shadow’ self was primarily guiding him at the beginning of the story. When drawing a connection between Phil the man and Phil the groundhog, one of the diner patrons actually said to Phil – ‘look out for your shadow’. A wonderful and foreboding piece of wisdom for Phil!
c. What is the Oppression?
The oppression ranges from Phil’s childhood resentments (being told what to do, ‘be nice to your sister’, etc.) to more recent work-related resentments (ie. Having to cover the Groundhog Day event for four years in a row). He is stuck in the past; he’s built up his anger and morphed it into sarcasm…which has impaired his ability to see anything beyond himself/his own needs. He even becomes oppressed by the journey of his own self-actualization, in that at times it becomes too much work (ie. When he tries to take his own life).
3. How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
We are lured into the profound journey by connecting with the relatable and funny Phil Connors; he’s a sarcastic weatherman on the local news (most people watch the news and have a soft-spot for the weather person), he’s feeling disgruntled about his job (most of us have been there), he feels stuck (again, a relatively universal experience at some point or another for most people) and he’s looking for love.
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 – Phil’s old ways include being sarcastic, angry, emotionally closed off, pessimistic, resentful, avoiding connection, being very opportunistic, and acting mostly in a self-centred fashion.
NEW WAYS – Phil’s new ways include being generous with his words/money (with no expectation of getting something in return), taking the time to listen/learn, enjoying himself in life, connecting with others, being vulnerable, sharing, seeing the silver lining, and leading with an open heart/being emotionally available.
5. What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
THE TRANSFORMATION: Phil must release the resentments of the past and be in the present moment to become ‘unstuck’ and move forward in life.
A. Feeling stuck, feeling oppressed by work, by life, by love, etc. and feeling like he didn’t matter
B. Literally being stuck in Groundhog Day, reliving the same day over again
C. Feeling like nothing he does affects anyone, or matters
D. Discovering that his actions do carry meaning and can shift his reality
E. Slightly shifting his actions to benefit himself, yet seeing that he is still not feeling happy or fulfilled
F. Phil tries changing himself to be Rita’s dream guy; this does not create happiness either and his inauthenticity pushes Rita further away
G. The dilemma – Phil admits he doesn’t even like himself; he’s been doing the same thing, expecting a different result; feels like he is going insane, tries to take his own life to end this cycle
H. Breaks the cycle by changing himself vs expecting the world around him to change
I. Starts sharing wealth, sharing feelings, starts really listening to others and following his own passion (authentic self) by learning how to play the piano and becoming an amazing musician
J. His heart opens up/leaning into living his life authentically; as he does more of what he loves, he opens up to Rita – shares how he feels without any expectations; reaches a new level of change
K. Wakes up to February 3rd and is ready to live life in a new 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?
Phil’s old ways of being opportunistic, pessimistic and manipulative are challenged by Rita when she is able to see through his ways, call him out and challenge him to be a better person. She leads by example, she is authentic and real and does not accept Phil’s attempts at manipulation….so he is influenced/encouraged to make his own changes to be his authentic self if he wants a chance at being with her.
7. What are the most profound moments of the movie?
A few profound moments include:
• At the diner, when a connection is made between Phil and Phil, the oppression of the groundhog and how human Phil feels oppressed
• Phil driving on the train tracks while going off about all of the resentments from his childhood
• Phil admitting that he doesn’t even like himself
• When Phil goes from ignoring the homeless man to feeding him in the diner, and trying to resuscitate him on the street
• When Phil brings coffees and pastries to his co-workers, remembering how they take their coffee
• When Phil expresses his true feelings to Rita when they are laying in bed together
8. What are the most profound lines of the movie?
• “Look out for your shadow”
• “If you only had one day to live…what do you do?”
• “What if there were no tomorrow?”
• “Sometimes in life you gotta take chances”
• “You make choices and you live with them.”
9. How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
Determined to make a positive impact, Phil goes through Groundhog Day for the final time; he rushes to catch the boy falling out of the tree, he helps the women in their car with a flat tire, he performs the Heimlich manoeuvre on the Mayor, plays the piano with the band….
Rita wins a date with Phil during the auction and on that date, Phil is simply himself; he expresses his artistic self with the ice sculpture, he shares his genuine heartfelt feelings for Rita with no expectation or manipulation – just for the sheer gesture of sharing his love. They kiss and Rita can feel the authenticity of his words and actions. Then, they fall asleep…and when he wakes up, the spell has been broken, they embark upon a new day, February 3rd!
10. What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
Live each day to the fullest. You have one life – live it like you mean it, appreciate it, be yourself, love yourself, you cannot escape life’s lessons, be grateful, you do matter, observe the ‘golden rule’, work on your shadow aspects or they will keep re-appearing until you learn the lesson, be kind in life, your actions have consequences and significance to yourself and others.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 3 months ago by Connie Diletti.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 3 months ago by
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ANALYSIS OF THE PROFOUND NATURE OF — GROUND HOG DAY BY Patrick Murphy
1. Transformational Journey
TV weatherman, Phil, goes from being a sad, sarcastic, acerbic bully who thinks very little of the others around him (except what he can get from them – like sexual gratification) because he can’t stand his loveless, frozen, going nowhere fast life — to a man in love who suddenly sees all the possibilities of life and starts tackling them at every turn, looking for and meeting challenges and finding ways to help others where ever he can. He becomes loveable and everything changes for him — even falling in love.2. Lead Characters
Transformational character – Phil Connors – Weatherman Change Agent – Rita, his producer
The oppression – The boring job with no upward mobility.3. Connection with Audience
We find his biting sarcasm funny and can relate to being stuck in society.Relatability
– He feels stuck in his job
– He looks down on the people he works with
– Life is a pain in the ass sometimes and often gets in the way of plans
– And is very repetitive. Same old same old
– Gratification is damn hard to come by
– And doesn’t live up to expectations
– I can’t get no satisfaction
– We all wish we could get second chances and do-overs
Intrigue
– He gets seemingly stuck in a time warp where the same day repeats itself ad infinatum
– Although he is freaked about the repetition —
– He starts to use it to improve the outcomes his sins and missteps of the
previous day
– He uses the memories of the previous day to his advantage, even to the point
of impressing his love interest with his God like clairvoyance of things he
couldn’t possibly have known
– Even though he doesn’t initially succeed, he doesn’t give up and tries new
tacks
– He doesn’t fully succeed until he realizes the overall mistake of not just being
a loving, enlightened person. 4. Old Ways Versus New Way
Old — Life is a pain and people are stupid bores.
New — Life is wonderful and is what you make of it. Take the consequences of your actions as they come. Don’t worry about the outcome.
5. Gradient of Change
Transformation: Phil must go from a grumpy sarcastic putz to an all-loving person who’s glad to be here.
– He sees himself as stuck
– Life is repetitive and boring – Once again covering groundhog day for the 4th
year in a row. Same old thing, over and over again and again.
– He’s pissed to be back covering the dumb ass Ground Hog for another year.
– He goes through the motions but a snowstorm he didn’t prognosticate,
strands him in Punxsutawney.
– He wakes the next morning in the same bed to find his day is repeating itself
at every turn.
– At first his reaction to this situation is to dive deeper and deeper into his
curmudgeonly attitude. He actually gets meaner, out of frustration.
– He even starts to think that he is invincible and since tomorrow is doomed to
repeat, why throw caution to the wind without fear of consequences. The rules are out the window. He drives on railroad tracks, gets chased by cops and ends up in jail.
– Since tomorrow will just be a repeat, he figures he can eat what ever he wants, and then starts using the knowledge of the day before to take advantage of women and pull off a armored car robbery.
– He starts to get bored and actually starts getting philosophical and starts to realize that he really likes Rita and uses subsequent days to figure out what she likes and gets better and more knowledgeable day after day, and for a while he’s able to connect day after day on just a little deeper level, even when he
– But his shtick becomes a little too rote and she detects he’s not being real, and way too pushy. And we see that he can’t quite figure it out day after day, failing miserably and starts to become super bitter.
– He becomes suicidal. Steal a truck with Panxawtunay Phil inside, gets in a big car chase and with everyone watching drives off a cliff and the truck explodes.
– He then proceeds to kill himself in everyway imaginable. But waking everyday that starts to get monotonous.
– He figures out he can make her realize what he’s going through and he does.
– Now day after day he realizes that life is to be embraced and he tries to be a
better person in each situation he comes upon, He has made a real change
and really starts to
– An old man he has befriended dies.
– The next day he does the groundhog gig and waxes poetic, impressing everyone. He catches a kid falling out of a tree at the appointed time. He fixes the tire on a car full of old ladies.
– All his good deeds start to pile up.
– Rita is becoming more and more impressed as he becomes the most popular
and talented man in Punxatawney.
– Rita outbids all the other women in town at a madhouse charity auction, for
Phil’s services.
– The next day he awakens like so many times before and yet something is
different. Rita is revealed snuggling up lovingly to Phil. Life has finally unstuck, a new day has dawned and he is in a loving relationship.
6. Beliefs Challenged
Phil is ego centric, narcissistic and believes that most people around him are nincompoops. He also believes he is stuck in a job with very little future other than doing the same boring thing over and over.
– He thinks Ground Hog day is imbecilic and the people attending and running it are a bunch of unsophisticated, cornball hicks. He resents having to be there.
– He is stuck in Punxataweny. He awakens in the same bed and room as the morning before. As he Every event from the day before is repeating. He comes to believe that he is stuck in some type of time loop.
– He starts to anticipate and react to the things he knows are coming.
– Day after day it really starts to irritate him and it becomes a kind of hell.
– He fails to make in progress in any kind of substantial way.
– He starts to use tricks to get a different outcome, knowing what he knows
from the “day before”.
– He realizes that he has feelings for the very sweet, positive and fetching, Rita.
– As he gets close to building a relationship with Rita and ultimately failing, he
comes to realize eventually that he has to change.
– However his frustration starts to build as he tries to improve as a human
being and things day after day don’t work out, he instead begins to screw up in a very self-destructive way. He basically gives up and lets himself go, driving more than wildly, kidnapping the Ground Hog, stealing a truck and driving it off a cliff.
– Since that doesn’t work (he comes back day after day) he starts dreaming up different ways to commit suicide. This again doesn’t work .
– He finally decides that the only way (that he hasn’t thought ofis to become a better human being. He takes piano lessons (Rita told him she wanted a man who plays an instrument) and other things such as being compassionate to others.
– This doesn’t work out instantly (Rita senses he isn’t sincere). Finally he accepts things as they are and learns to go with the flow with expectations of success and things turn around and he is successful.
7. PROFOUND MOMENTS
– The first time he wakes up and realizes that yesterday is being repeated. It is still Ground Hog Day.
– The pencil he broke the night before is whole when he wakes up.
– He decides to press his luck and test the theory the it doesn’t matter what he does, by driving on the Railroad Tracks and and getting involved a car chase.
– After several days and attempts, he learns more about Rita and starts to make a connection with her, by discovering and cataloguing all her likes and dislikes. But then he is too pushy and subsequently tries too hard and blows it with her. Failing over and over again.
– He becomes more and more bitter at all his failures.
8. PROFOUND DIALOGUE
– He asks the drunks at the bowling alley, “What would you do if you were
stuck in one place and nothing that you did mattered?”
– PHIL — “Let me ask you guys a question, what if there were no tomorrow?”
– GUS — “That would mean there would be no consequences, there would be
no hangovers, we could do whatever we wanted.”
– PHIL —“That’s true, we could do whatever we wanted.”
– PHIL —“It’s the same thing you’re whole life, clean up your room, stand up
straight, pick up your feet, take it like a man, be nice to your sister. Don’t mix
beer and wine, ever. Oh yeah, don’t drive on the railroad tracks.
– GUS — “That’s one I happen to agree with.”
– PHIL — “I’m not going to live be their rules anymore. You make choices and
you live with them. –
– RITA — “The wretch, concentered all in self, living shall forfeit fair renown and doubly dying shall go down to the vile dust from whence he sprung, unwept, un-honored and unsung”. Sir Walter Scott. What you don’t like poetry.
– PHIL — (laughing) “I love poetry, I just thought that was Willard Scott. What you think I’m acting like this because I’m egocentric?
– RITA — “I know your egocentric. It’s you’re defining characteristic.” –
– RITA — “I’m just amazed, and I’m not easily amazed”
– PHIL — “ About what?”
– RITA —“How you can start a day with one kind of expectation and end up so completely different.
– PHIL —“ Well do you like the way this day is turning out.”
– RITA — “ I like it very much. It’s a perfect day. You couldn’t have planned a
day like this.
– PHIL — “Well you can, it just takes an awful lot of work. Come on in I want to show you this one thing.”
– RITA — “I don’t think I should, Phil.”
– PHIL — “Oh, I don’t think you should either. That’s’ why I’m just gonna show
you this one thing and kick you right out.”
Phil is super turned on and tries to impress himself on her.
– RITA — “ No really Phil, I’m tired. We can see each other tomorrow.
– PHIL — “No. Tonight, It’s got to be tonight.”
– RITA — “No, Phil, really.
– PHIL — “Come on, just stay for a while. And I you like it you can stay for a
while longer.”
– RITA — “Let’s not spoil it, okay?”
– PHIL — “ I’m not spoiling it. I don’t want to spoil it either.”
– RITA — “You know I can’t stay with you.”
– PHIL — “Why not. I love you.”
– RITA — “ You love me? You don’t even know me.”
– PHIL — “Oh, I know you. I know you.”
– RITA — “Oh, no. I can’t believe I fell for this. This whole day has just been one
long set up.”
– PHIL — “No, it hasn’t.”
– RITA — “ And I ate fudge. Yuck.”
– PHIL — “No white chocolate, no fudge.”
– RITA — “What are you doing? Are you making some kind of list or
something? Did you call up my friends and ask them what I liked and don’t
like.”
– PHIL — “No”
– RITA — “Is this what love is for you?”
– PHIL — “No, this is real. This is love.”
– RITA — “Stop saying that. You must be crazy. 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. Give me another chance.
– RITA — (slaps him) “That’s for making me care about you.”
Rita views a snow sculpture of her that he just did on the fly. She is beyond impressed, by this and all the other things she has witnessed him accomplishing this day.
– RITA— “How did you do that.?”
– PHIL — “I know your face so well, I could have done it with my eyes closed.”
– RITA — “ It’s lovely. I don’t know what to say.”
– PHIL — “ I do. No matter what happens tomorrow or for the rest of my life,
I’m happy now, because I love you.”
– RITA — “I think I’m happy too.”
9. PROFOUND ENDING
The reality of life seems to have finally worn Phil down and gotten through his dense head. Two things are at work here. One — You can’t force it. It has to be organic and real. You have to let it happen on one hand, and at the same time it is more than worthwhile to work at being better.
10. PROFOUND TRUTH
Giving up and sitting on the couch eating bon bons and drinking beer and after beer is not the answer. Love is letting go and at the same time caring for and loving yourself which is engaging yourself and your relationships with out dwelling on the results. -
What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?That a truly cynical, narcissistic man can change and show care for a woman he loves.<div>
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Lead characters:Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change? Rita, who is always nice and sees the positive.
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 cynic who feels he is a star and deserves better and can treat people not nice.
What is the Oppression? The Groundhog Day
How are we lured into the profound journey? The repeating day
What causes us to connect with this story? Seeing how the old Phil is testing things out and becoming the new more positive Phil. Something we may have at times done.
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:What is the gradient the change? Phil is cynical, ungrateful, rude and out for himself. After little by little seeing what he causes or how others are kind anyway, he sees he can do better, be better, be kinder.
What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing? Phil sees how no matter what Rita is kind and happy in life.
How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change? He felt he was so special and the rest of people, so little and not worth his time or energy.
What are the most profound moments of the movie?
Phil knows lots about everyone
Phil helps old man after being dismissive of him.
Buys insurance from Ned
Tells Rita he loves her and doesn’t try to scam her anymore; just be with her.
Phil realizes he is happy when with Rita
What are the most profound lines of the movie?
What if you were stuck in the same day over and over and nothing happened?
No matter what happens the next day he’ll be happy knowing he loves Rita.
How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie? The street is different, Rita is beside him at 6:00pm, Phil realizes that he could live in this small town and Rita wants to be with him finally.
What is the Profound Truth of this movie? Just be nice. See the positive and it brings the positive. You can find love and be kind.
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Copyright 2014 – 2021, Hal Croasmun. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.ScreenwritingU.com+1
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Vivien’s Analysis of Groundhog Day.
What I learned doing this assignment is understanding the elements of a profound script.
1. What is the CHANGE this journey is about?
Phil changes from being a miserable human being (cynical, narcissist, insecure, arrogant, and irreverent towards others) to becoming a person who loves people and life.
What is the TRANSFORMATION JOURNEY?
Going from living a life of quiet desperation in his tiny, lonely world to being the world to others. From being a victim of circumstances to taking responsibility for his own life. From focusing on what he can get to focusing on what he can give.
2. LEAD CHARACTERS
Change agent: Rita – kind-hearted, fun-loving, positive, and talented.
Transformational character: Phil
Oppression: The time loop
3. How are we lured into the profound?
What causes us to connect with this story?
CONNECTION with AUDIENCE
We go on this journey because we can relate to who Phil is.
RELATABILITY
– Phil is stuck in a dead-end job. Many people experience with situation.
– Phil lives a lonely and bored life. We can empathize with him.
– Phil wants to get another job, and we want him to.
– Phil dreams of escaping his mundane life, and we want him to.
– Phil wants to be with the woman he loves. Everyone wants love.
4. Which characters change the most?
OLD WAYS VERSUS NEW WAY
Old ways: Phil does not care about other people. He lives in his own world. He doesn’t want to be around others because he thinks that they are beneath him. He treats people appallingly. He acts like a victim for living the same experience every day. He feels stuck. He feels alone. His life is empty.
New Way at the end: Phil’s love for Rita makes him strive to become a better person. He opens his heart, learns to care, and learns to love. He opens his world and let others in. He’s no longer alone and values other people’s companionship.
5. What is the gradient of change?
What steps did the transformational character go through as they were changing?
– Phil is a hater of everything: his job, his life, his crew, Punxsutawney, the people who work live there and work there. He’s a miserable narcissist.
– He realizes that he has a problem – living in a time loop, doing the same thing over and over again a thousand times.
– He thinks that he can’t change his predicament no matter what he does: lack of initiative.
– Phil asks Rita to help find solutions to his problems: he does not take responsibility for his own happiness.
– He tries to change the external environment by adopting different persona – living on the edge, being a womanizer, being a thief, wooing Rita. It doesn’t work.
– He tries to kill himself, but he can’t and his problems keep on following him.
– He begins to get interested in knowing other people (the lady in the restaurant, his one-night stand, and Rita) but he does so to win their affection, not because he truly cares for them. His strategy flops, especially with Rita, who vows to never love a narcissist like him.
– He truly falls for Rita and is determined to learn about her habit and interests. He relives his experience with Rita until he gets it right. He learns French poetry, her happy childhood memory, her favorite drink. Rita is touched with Phil’s attentiveness.
– He begins to pay attention to his environment and people around him and make an effort to get to know them
– He begins to see the beauty of the Punxsutawney and its people, and decides to stay an extra day after the Groundhog Day event.
– He’s happy to see the hotel and restaurant manager. He’s upbeat around people.
– He takes up new hobby: playing the piano and ice carving.
– He helps strangers solving their problems and no longer thinks about his: catch a child falling from a tree, saving a man who chokes on his food, changes the flat tire for three old ladies, takes the old beggar to the hospital when the man gets very sick.
– He finds pleasure in his work of reporting the Groundhog day.
– He shows Rita his love by doing something special for her: carving her face in a block of ice. The act touches her which makes her wants to spend more time with him.
– He brings joy to Punxsutawney with his piano performance and becomes a beloved member of the community, which he loves and appreciates.
– He wins Rita’s love and admiration. He loves her selflessly.
6. How is the old way challenged?
Phil thought that he’s stuck in a dead-end job which makes his life miserable and there’s nothing he can do about it. He dislikes people and believes that he’s better off being by himself that being in their company.
He learns that he is responsible for his happiness and can create his own happiness. He just needs to change his attitude and appreciate the people and opportunities around him. He realizes that it’s the people who enrich his life.
7. What are the most profound moments of the movie?
– Phil believes that he’s God and proves to Rita that he knows about the lives of people he meets in the hotel’s restaurant without really know them. Rita starts to believe in him. In this scene Phil secretly or unconsciously wants to connect with people.
– Rita spends a day with Phil and enjoys his companionship very much. She’s afraid that he’d disappear like Cinderella.
– When Rita sleeps next to Phil, he realizes that he’s deeply in love with her and promises to love her for the rest of his live.
– Phil brings coffee to Rita and Larry on set of the coverage of the Groundhog Day and suggests ways to improve the setting.
– He goes to a café and reads French poetry instead of holing up in his hotel room and complaint about the horrible weather.
– He takes the old man (beggar) to the hospital when the man falls seriously ill, and gets distraught when he learns that the man has died. He rewinds the clock so he could take the man for a hot meal.
– He tries to resuscitate the old man when he collapses on the street, but he lets go when he knows it’s out of his control. This may be a metaphor for his dead-end job.
– On his last coverage of the Groundhog Day, he puts his heart into it, speaks with emotion and voices his appreciation to the people of Punxsutawney. His speech touches Rita and Larry.
– Phil carves Rita’s face on the ice block and tells her that he can carve her image without looking at her because he remembers it by heart.
– Rita teaches Phil how to live in the moment. He asked her what she would do if she has only one day to live and she’s faced with a massive nature disaster. She says she finds a place to keep her camera equipment safe.
– He plays piano beautifully at a community dance party. His piano teacher is proud of him and Rita is very impressed with him.
– Guests at the party thanks Phil for helping them. They adore him and treat him like a celebrity. But Phil modesty thank them without beating his own drum.
– At the party Phil is the most wanted bachelor with bids from many women, but it’s Rita who makes him feel loved by bidding him with all the money she has.
– Phil helps his former High School classmate Ned by buying many insurance policies from him.
– Phil wakes up with Rita in his arms. He realizes that he is living the reality and not a fantasy.
– The clock goes past 6AM. It’s truly the next day after Groundhog Day. Phil is unstuck. He’s with the woman he loves and looks forward to building a happy life with her.
8. Profound lines
– “What if there’s no tomorrow?”
“No tomorrow, that’s means no consequences, there will be no hangovers we can do whatever we wanted.”
– “Some guys look at that glass and they’ll say that glass is half-empty, the other guy will say that it’s half full. I think you’re the half empty kind of guy.”
– “What would you do if you are stuck in one place and everyday was exactly the same, nothing you did matter?”
– “You made choices, and you live with it.”
– “I know you are egocentric. That is your defining character.”
– “If you only have one day to live, what would you do?”
– “I can never love anyone like you because you never love anyone but yourself.”
– “I want you to believe in me.”
– “You gotta want it, Rita.”
– “Maybe it’s not a curse. It depends on how you look at it.”
– “The first time I saw you, something happens to me. I never told you but I knew I wanted to hold you as hard as I could.”
– “I didn’t deserve someone like you, but if I ever could, I swear I’d love you for the rest of my life.”
– “Then put your little hand in mine ‘cause there ain’t no hill of mountain we can’t climb.”
– “We know that winter is another step in the cycle of life.”
– “What do you do today?”
“Same old, same old.” (but this time it’s a happy same old.)– “I know your face so well, I could have done it with my eyes closed.”
– “No matter what happens tomorrow or for the rest of my life, I’m happy now because I love you.”
– “Let’s live here.”
9. How does the ending pay off the set up of this movie?
In the beginning, Phil is a narcissist weather forecaster who lives a miserable life. His heart is full of bitterness, indifference, and hatred. He’s a loner who lives an empty life.
In the end, Phil takes charge of his life and turns it around. His heart is full of love for Rita and for people around him. He creates his own happiness.
10. The profound truth
Love is the elixir of life. It’s by loving people that you find happiness in your life.
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DAY 1 ASSIGNMENT
TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY
For Phil: Doesn’t appreciate where he is, wants to get somewhere else in search of “happiness,” wants to know everything Rita wants so he can “get” her.
For audience: From Phil’s unhappiness and dissatisfaction to his happiness and satisfaction in every moment, and through doing good and enjoying himself authentically, he becomes every good quality Rita described – without expectation!
MAIN CHARACTERS
Change Agent: Rita
Transformational Character: Phil
Oppression: The Time Loop aka Phil’s own unhappiness and dissatisfaction
CONNECTION WITH AUDIENCE (why are we going on this journey)
Relatability:
Phil wants his life to be “better” and we all could probably say that
He’s frustrated with all the minutiae of life and so are we
Phil has no idea what’s going on with this time loop and neither do we
Phil wants to know why the same thing is happening over and over and over and so do we
Intrigue: Something otherworldly is at play
Phil is in some sort of time loop!
Why does it keep repeating?
What is Phil supposed to be doing/learning/achieving through all this???
What is the meaning of everything he’s going through?
How, through all the different things he’s trying, is Phil not “figuring it out?”
Will he ever get out of the time loop?
What is the key to getting him out?
OLD WAYS vs NEW WAY
Old Ways: Cynicism and assholery. Perpetual unhappiness with things as they are. Phil wants to be special and to have everyone cater to him. To Phil, women are ornaments in his life and a prize to be won, not partners, and he doesn’t even like himself.
New Way at end: Kindness and service. Happiness in each moment. Phil helps everyone, just because they need it and finds joy there! Phil grows to love himself as he authentically is AND finds genuine love with Rita.
GRADIENT OF CHANGE
The transformation: Phil must find happiness in every moment, be kind, help others, and learn to love himself.
Establishing Phil’s belief:
A time loop is happening for some reason
Is this an excuse to go hog wild?
Is this a way to “get” a woman?
Is this the way to die?
IS he, in fact, the center of the universe?
Phil gets rejected over and over for doing all the “right” things
Phil can’t get out of the loop no matter what he does
He tells the truth to Rita about himself and everything out of sheer bewilderment and desperation
Starts to find enjoyment in little things and in getting to know people and helping them
BELIEFS/OLD WAY CHALLENGED
Before the time loop and even well into it, Phil thinks he’s the absolute center of the universe.
First, Phil thinks he no longer has to play by the rules of society and ends up in jail for the night
Second, Phil thinks nothing matters and he can do whatever he wants which he uses to take joy in others’ misery and engage in gluttony
He believes he’s a god at some point
He begins to find out about Rita… to manipulate her into sleeping with him
After trying absolutely everything (he thinks) and not escaping the time loop, Phil’s belief that he’s the center of the universe and knows everything about everything is challenged
PROFOUND MOMENTS
Phil drinks with and drives drunk guys, then ends up in jail because he can do anything and nothing matters = “nothing matters” doesn’t work
Rita slaps Phil a million times = romantic love doesn’t work
Kills himself a million times = suicide doesn’t work
Phil gives up and starts telling the truth and being totally authentic, then declares his admiration for Rita, leaves her be, and no longer tries to coerce her
Gives a huge wad of cash to the homeless man who he’s never even acknowledged with anything other than disgust for the whole movie
Performs kind gestures for his co-workers, asks them questions and then LISTENS
Finds joy in having coffee, reading and listening to music in a diner
Improves the groundhog-enthusiast-in-the-hotel’s day by being kind and joyful
Learns piano and seems content being a beginner at first
Makes ice sculptures, seemingly just for fun
Deals with the annoying classmate/insurance salesman with kindness 😉
He tries to help the homeless man not die (and even gives him mouth-to-mouth where he previously struggled with LOOKING at him), can’t, but in the end comes to accept death as a natural part of life
Comes to love and appreciate the people of Punxatawney who he previously viewed as “hicks”
Helps the kid falling out of the tree even though he never gets thanked
Jams with musicians just for fun and to make everyone happy
Is totally in the moment and real with Rita
PROFOUND DIALOGUE
BOWLING ALLEY
Bar guys: Some guys would see half empty, some half full. I think you’re a half full kinda guy.
Phil: What would you do if you were in the same place every day and nothing that you did mattered?Bar guys: That about sums it up for me.
DRUNKEN CAR RIDE, PHIL DRIVES
Phil: What if there were no tomorrow?
Bar guys: That would mean there’d be no consequences, no hangovers – we could do whatever we wanted!
Phil: That’s true. We could do whatever we want!PHIL GLUTTONY SCENE
Rita: The wretch, concentred all in self, living, shall forfeit fair renown, and doubly dying, shall go down, to the vile dust from whence he sprung – unwept, unhonored, and unsung. -Sir Walter Scott.
Phil: You think I’m acting like this because I’m egocentric?
Rita: I know you’re egocentric, it’s your defining characteristic.PHIL TRIES EVERYTHING TO COERCE RITA INTO SEX
Rita: Is this what love is for you?
Phil: No, this is real, this is love!Rita: Stop saying that! You must be crazy. I could never love someone like you Phil because you could never love anyone but yourself.
Phil: That’s not true. I don’t even like myself! Give me another chance.
Rita: *slap* That’s for making me care about you.
CAFE SCENE
Phil: Maybe the real God uses tricks. Maybe he’s not omnipotent, he’s just been around so long he knows everything.PHIL ICE SCULPTING RITA
Phil: No matter what happens tomorrow or for the rest of my life, I’m happy now, because I love you.BED SCENE AFTER *NEW* MORNING
Phil: Something is different.
Rita: Good or bad?
Phil: Anything different is good…….
Phil: Is there anything I can do for you?LEAVING THE HOTEL ON FEB 3
Phil: It’s so beautiful! Let’s live here.PROFOUND ENDING
By being kind and compassionate, helping others, studying the arts, accepting reality, being himself, and learning to love himself as he is, Phil inadvertently becomes the exact man Rita described in the beginning.
PROFOUND TRUTH
Life is about being kind, helping others, enjoying the present, and living and loving your authentic self which naturally attracts people.
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Tom’s Analysis of Groundhog Day
What I learned… I’ve watch Groundhog Day many times but I’ve never analyzed the actual transformation of Phil. I didn’t recall the profound message being such a focal point of the story. Maybe be Bill Murray is amazing to watch, but to the lesson’s point this kind of work slips under the consciousness radar unless it’s being looked for.
What is the CHANGE this movie is about? What is the Transformational Journey of this movie?
Going from self-centered to putting others first
2. Lead characters:
Who is the Change Agent (the one causing the change) and what makes this the right character to cause the change?
Rita
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 is the Oppression?
Phil’s attitude and sarcasm. His ego-centrism.
3. How are we lured into the profound journey? What causes us to connect with this story?
When Groundhog Day repeats for the first time we see a confused less cynical Phil trying to make sense of what is happening.
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. His old way was being mean and self-centered. He spoke with sarcasm. His new way became being helpful and focused on others. He speaks from the heart.
5. What is the gradient the change? What steps did the Transformational Character go through as they were changing?
He tries to confide in Rita, then goes to the doctor, then to a psychiatrist
While at the bar he is talking with two men he just met (and I think the guys he called morons earlier that day) and is confiding in them. When they are too drunk to drive he drives them home.
On the third day after getting arrested, he wakes up again with an attitude that he can do anything. Kisses the old lady at the B&B, punches Ned, lets another guy step in the puddle, eats an enormous amount of terrible food.
He uses the repetition to learn about Nancy and then on the following day is able to hook up with her, but while they are back at his room he calls her Rita twice.
Phil then proceeds to ask Rita about the things she likes, trying to get to know her. Is he really interested or is this just another non-consequential challenge.
Phil puts a ton of work into the creating the perfect day for him and Rita but then at the very end he pushes too hard for sex and Rita realizes that its all just been a set up.
The dates just keep getting worse and worse each ending with Phil getting slapped and going home alone.
Phil then gets angry yelling at the people putting on the ceremony and then turning back to the camera with disdain.
Phil kidnaps the groundhog and drives off a cliff in the quarry hoping that it will end the cycle if the groundhog is dead.
He commits suicide multiple times.
Phil confides in Rita again, revealing everything about everyone. Rita is mystified and says that she should spend the rest of the day with him.
Rita spends the entire night with Phil. She falls asleep and Phil genuinely says how he feels about her.
Phil wakes up and becomes nice to everyone. He gives the homeless guy his money, and then gets coffee and donuts for the crew. He asks Larry what he thinks about the best shot. He carries Larry’s camera. He begins taking Piano lessons. He takes ice sculpting. He is nice to Ned, very Nice. He takes the homeless guy to the hospital and he passes away.
He gives a touching speech. Rita asks him to get a cup of coffee, but he has errands to run. He catches a boy as he falls out of a tree. He fixes the tire for the old ladies. He gives the Heimlich to guy at the restaurant.
At the party Phil is playing the piano with a jazz band. As he is dancing with all the people he’s helped come up to him and thank him.
Bachelor auction. Rita bids everything she has.
Phil wakes up with Rita
He wants them to stay in Punxsutawney
6. How is the “old way” challenged? What beliefs are challenged that cause a main character to shift their perspective…and make the change?
The old way is challenged when he realizes he can’t just take advantage of people. Doing whatever he wants doesn’t get him out of the loop. When he begins doing things to help people we see a shift. He strives to be more like Rita ultimately focusing on others and finding happiness.
7. What are the most profound moments of the movie?
On the third day when Phil begins to accept what is happening we see him live life as he thinks he wants to
Realizing that happiness isn’t just about his wants—when he is getting what he wants he is becoming more miserable
He learns that happiness comes from caring about others and makes that his mission
8. What are the most profound lines of the movie?
What would you do if you were stuck in the same place everyday, and nothing mattered? Guy takes a shot. Other guy says, “that about sums it up for me.”
What if there no tomorrow?, Phil asks. Drunk guy 1 responds, “That would mean there would be no consequences. We could whatever we wanted!” Phil responds, “that’s true, we could do whatever we want” and drives through a mailbox with a cop nearby leading to him playing chicken with a train.
Sir Walter Scott quote
Phil says, “You think I am acting like this because I’m ego-centric”. Rita responds, “I know you’re ego-centric, it’s you defining characteristic.”
I love you. You love me, you don’t even know me. I can’t believe I fell for this, this whole day has just been one long set up.
I could never love anyone like you Phil because you could never love anyone but yourself.
I’ll give you a winter prediction. It’s gonna be cold. It’s gonna be gray. And it’s gonna last you for the rest of your life.
I’m a god. A god, not the god… I don’t think.
Tomorrow you will have forgotten all about this and you will treat me like a jerk again.
What I wanted to say was, I think you’re the kindest, sweetest, prettiest person I ever met in my life. I’ve never seen anyone who is nicer to people than you are. The first time I saw you, something happened to me. I knew that I wanted to hold you as long as I could. I don’t deserve someone like you. But if I ever could I would love you for the rest of my life.
Did you say something?
Goodnight Rita.
I know your face so well I could have done it with my eyes closed.
No matter what happens tomorrow or for the rest of my life, I’m happy now because I love you.
Something is different. Good or bad. Anything different is good. But this could be real… good.
Today is tomorrow. It happened. You’re here.
Is there anything I can do for you, today. I’m sure I could think of something.
It’s so beautiful. Let’s live here.
9. How does the ending payoff the setups of this movie?
Phil discovers happiness, and it wasn’t just on a random night, it was a day in which he did all that he could do to help others, as he had been doing for many days, but this was the day it all came together Rita and then the next morning, she was there with him.
10. What is the Profound Truth of this movie?
True happiness comes from genuinely caring about others.
Groundhog Day was an excellent example of a transformation since we are literally repeating the same day, so it easy to identify the progression of the character as he makes different choices in accordance to how he is coping with the situation.
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This reply was modified 2 years, 1 month ago by Tom Minier.
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