Classic 90s Movie: “Groundhog Day”
May is Classic 90s Movie month. Today’s guest post comes from Mary Kathryn Morley.
Movie Title: Groundhog Day
Year: 1993
Writers: Danny Rubin and Harold Ramis
Lead Actors: Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, and Chris Elliot
Director: Harold Ramis
IMDB Plot Summary: A weatherman finds himself living the same day over and over.
Why I Think This Is A Classic 90’s Movie: I read a blurb somewhere that compared the 1980s to the 1990s in an intriguing manner. The 80s were about finding oneself, but still keeping one’s innocence mainly intact. The 90s, on the other hand, was a time of exploration and “counter-culture” that ripped the innocent, rose-colored glasses right off. In fact, seeing the world “as it really is”, ditching the wholesome view, was practically a badge of honor. Where Breakfast Club, bright colors, and Madonna defined the 1980s; American Beauty, grunge, and the angst of Nirvana defined the 1990s. In the middle of it all was Harold Ramis’ (and Danny Rubin’s) comic gem, Groundhog Day.
Phil Connors, played by Bill Murray, is a weatherman who is unhappy with his current lot in life — working for a small time news station, on his way to his fourth live broadcast of Groundhog’s Day. Phil is the embodiment of pompous, self-indulgent jerks who would step on anyone, without second thought, to get their way. Murray’s character, in the beginning of the film, fits the 90’s angst and narcissistic tendencies. He almost thinks he actually influences/makes the weather!!
For all the negative qualities of the decade, there was also a huge environmental movement as well as a strong desire to embrace multiculturalism. With the Internet becoming more prevalent, people were suddenly aware of the greater world around them and not just the little piece they occupied. People were becoming more proactive in making the world, both physically and metaphorically, a better place. As the movie progresses, and Phil gets the wind knocked out of his egocentric sails, we see this part of the 90s culture come into play. Murray’s character is forced to start seeing the bigger picture of life and to think of others before himself. He goes from a once-a-year-visitor to a beloved member of the community.
In the end, Groundhog Day made people laugh and created a new cultural reference; people referring to the feeling of repetition in their life as a “Groundhog Day.” This film also demonstrated the highs and lows of the times. Phil Connors, in my opinion, was a “man of the 90s.”
My Favorite Moment In The Movie: My favorite moment in the movie, other than the end, is when he’s in the café dining on every sweet and pastry on the menu. We see Phil thoroughly enjoying the fact he doesn’t have to worry about anything, health or otherwise, anymore. He’s invincible, as he subtly but proudly proclaims. Not only a hilarious moment, but one I think many people wish they could live just once.
My Favorite Dialogue In The Movie: It’s a three-way tie.
First, the scene where Phil’s in the bowling alley having drinks with two local guys. Phil: “I was in the Virgin Islands once. I met a girl. We ate lobster, drank pina coladas. At sunset, we made love like sea otters. [pause] That was a pretty good day. Why couldn’t I get that day over, and over, and over…” A pity party I think anyone would throw themselves in the same situation…why couldn’t I get that day instead?
Second, the scene where he’s finally honest with Rita in the café and proves to her that he’s been reliving February 2nd over and over. Phil: “Maybe the real God uses tricks. Or maybe he’s not omnipotent. He’s just been around so long he knows everything.” I love this line because it shows the teetering point of the self-centered Phil losing the battle to the new, kinder, thoughtful Phil.
Last but not least, the second to last scene, where he wakes up and it’s FINALLY a new day. Phil: “Do you know what today is? Today is tomorrow. It happened. You’re here.” Rita: “I’m here. Oh, Phil. Why weren’t you like this last night? You just fell asleep?” Phil: “It was the end of a very long day.” Best understatement ever.
Key Things You Should Look For When Watching This Movie: This movie is a phenomenal example of character arc. It will also go down, in my opinion, as one of Bill Murray’s greatest movies, because of the way he brought this highly sophisticated and complex character arc to life.
Phil Connors goes through many stages in this movie. The beginning of the arc is shock as he comes to realize he’s actually repeating February 2nd, an understandable and necessary step in order to get the audience on board with the concept of the film. Next is bewilderment as he tries to figure out why this is happening and if he can get out of it. This leads to euphoria as he quickly comes to understand he can do WHATEVER he wants without consequences, which plays perfectly into his self-indulgent side. As boredom/frustration sets in, particularly after numerous failed attempts to fake his way into the affections of his producer, Rita (played by MacDowell), the feeling of being trapped takes hold. This brings the movie and Phil to the darkest point. Phil becomes suicidal, killing himself in any way possible, in order to end the monotony. But, it doesn’t work. Accepting that he can’t kill himself, he looks for a new avenue. Another positive encounter with Rita, where he’s genuinely honest with her, inspires him to become a better person in order to truly win her heart. As Phil works to improve himself, and fit her criteria for the perfect man, he becomes the metaphoric Grinch; we watch his heart grow three sizes. He becomes fixated on trying to save an elderly homeless man. Phil starts keeping a schedule of good deeds — saving a kid who falls out of a tree, giving a member of the community (played by Murray’s real life brother) the Heimlich when he chokes on steak, preventing an engaged couple from calling off their wedding, and so on…everyday. In the end, when Phil finally wins Rita’s heart, the arc is complete. Murray’s character breaks the spell and wakes up on February 3rd, Rita at his side. The symbolism at the end is perfect — Phil stepping into a new day, into his new life.
Thanks, Mary! To show our gratitude for your guest post, here’s a dash of creative juju for you. Whoosh!
We already have a set of 80s Movies. This month we cover 90s movies. So thanks to all of you for your participation in this project, creating a resource for writers, movies they should watch to help learn the craft of screenwriting!
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