I will take a break from my afterlife blog and return to my roots in time travel this week; although, there is an element of that with this movie. I hurried to ready this film blog to be released on February 2nd, due to the fact that it is Groundhog Day.
Groundhog Day is an American pseudo-holiday in which an old legend is played out in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania every February 2nd. The legend goes like this: If the groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, comes out and sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter.
Ever since the film by that title came out, Groundhog Day has become the metaphor for the feeling of repeating the same day over and over again. Everything from housework, mundane jobs, to military life can relate to the term.
Groundhog Day is an American pseudo-holiday in which an old legend is played out in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania every February 2nd. The legend goes like this: If the groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, comes out and sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter.
Ever since the film by that title came out, Groundhog Day has become the metaphor for the feeling of repeating the same day over and over again. Everything from housework, mundane jobs, to military life can relate to the term.
The film, Groundhog Day stars Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, and Chris Elliott. It was co-written and directed by Murray’s fellow Ghostbuster, Harold Ramis. It was based on an original story by Danny Rubin.
It’s about Phil Connors (Bill Murray), an arrogant Pittsburgh TV weatherman who is sent on assignment to cover the annual Groundhog Day events in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. He doesn’t want to be there but ends up in a time loop, repeating the same day (Groundhog Day) again and again.
He is sent there with cameraman Larry (Chris Elliott) and news producer, Rita Hanson (Andie MacDowell), who loves the celebrations but doesn’t understand Phil.
The trio can’t leave because of a major snowstorm.
It’s about Phil Connors (Bill Murray), an arrogant Pittsburgh TV weatherman who is sent on assignment to cover the annual Groundhog Day events in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. He doesn’t want to be there but ends up in a time loop, repeating the same day (Groundhog Day) again and again.
He is sent there with cameraman Larry (Chris Elliott) and news producer, Rita Hanson (Andie MacDowell), who loves the celebrations but doesn’t understand Phil.
The trio can’t leave because of a major snowstorm.
 Chris Elliott |  Andie MacDowell  |
At first Phil is confused when he wakes up to the same song playing on the radio (I Got You Babe – Sonny & Cher) and the snow is gone. But as day after day repeats, he starts taking advantage of the pre-knowledge he has of everyone. It allows him to do things, such as seduce women and steal money.
When this gets old, he becomes depressed and tries to end it by committing suicide. He even steals the town’s beloved groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil in an attempt to end the madness.
When this gets old, he becomes depressed and tries to end it by committing suicide. He even steals the town’s beloved groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil in an attempt to end the madness.
But this story is a metaphor for life. It has even been renowned among certain religions, such as Buddhists, Christians, and others, as a story of karma and redemption. Some have even equated it to Purgatory. He has to live the day over and over until he gets it right.
Phil eventually finds joy in using his power of knowledge to do good deeds in his little Punxsutawney world.
He eventually starts to have deep feelings for his producer, Rita, but finds his most difficult task is trying to make her fall for him. It eventually is the goodness she sees in him that does the trick.
Phil eventually finds joy in using his power of knowledge to do good deeds in his little Punxsutawney world.
He eventually starts to have deep feelings for his producer, Rita, but finds his most difficult task is trying to make her fall for him. It eventually is the goodness she sees in him that does the trick.
The other reason I love this film so much, is the location where it was filmed. Punxsutawney is represented by Woodstock, Illinois, just a half hour drive from where I live. Woodstock is the ultimate, picture perfect, quaint little Midwestern town. Even today, it hosts its own Groundhog Day celebration with a groundhog borrowed from Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo. The café where many scenes were filmed is still a food establishment.
Woodstock, Illinois
Stephen Tobolowsky as Ned Ryerson in Woodstock, Illinois.
Ned's Corner Plaque in Woodstock, Illinois
Groundhog Day is a powerful film of fantasy, love and spirituality.
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