This weekend, we celebrate a strange holiday that revolves around a magic rodent that can predict the future. More importantly for this conversation, however, is that the holiday is associated with a certain 1993 Bill Murray movie. Groundhog Day is considered one of the better comedies of the last few decades, and though it’s funny, it’s a deeper movie than you might imagine.
In celebration of Groundhog Day 2019 – for all we know, you guys have elaborate Groundhog Day party plans, because why not? – we’ve rounded up a few reasons why the movie has more to offer than just some awesome Bill Murray scenes.
1. Without consequences, nothing matters.
It’s maybe the most profound lesson that Groundhog Day offers, and it’s a good one to reflect on, even if it’s one of the most basic principles of being a well-adjusted human. Everything we do affects other people, and though it’s fun to imagine a universe where that weren’t the case, that’s not how it works. In the end, we’re defined by the effect we have on everyone else.
2. Got downtime? Make the most of it.
We’ve all been dumped, laid off or otherwise been made to sit around waiting. And while we can choose to mope, feeling low and unengaged actually provides us with a great opportunity to do stuff we might not otherwise. Among other things, Phil Connors (Bill Murray) uses his prison of time to learn French and master the piano. (He also kidnaps Punxsutawney Phil, but maybe not every pursuit he engages in is worth emulating.)
3. Don’t give up.
Again, Groundhog Day as life metaphor: Most of us have at some point been trapped in a situation where no matter what we did, we couldn’t extricate ourselves from some endless cycle of lameness. In the film, Phil’s attempts to bypass the situation altogether by offing himself don’t pan out; they don’t solve anything. The lesson is clear: Giving up doesn’t solve the problem.
Andie MacDowell Remembers Slapping Bill Murray on ‘Groundhog Day’ Set
4. And you need people in life – yes, even the Ned Ryersons.
At the beginning of the film, Murray’s character doesn’t exactly love other people. He goes through life brushing off anyone who tries to get in – even his lovely producer Rita (Andie MacDowell). But getting trapped in Punxsutawney forces Phil to get to know all the people he’d otherwise ignore. He comes around, even with the ones he especially doesn’t like, such as the famously annoying Ned (Stephen Tobolowsky). There’s reason to give everyone the time of day.
5. Live like there’s no tomorrow.
It’s a simple question but a good one: How would you act if there were nothing beyond today? What would you do if this were the last day you had to give everyone else something to remember you by? It takes Murray’s character a bit to come up with the right answer to these questions, but he does eventually get there.
6. Ignore the rules that don’t matter.
That’s not to say that you should spend your own personal Groundhog Day living like a goodie two-shoes. Part of the “last day on earth” magic is that it gives you a chance to think really hard about the things you’ve done every other day – and then discard the stuff that’s dumb.
7. Tell people they’re important to you.
As far as Murray’s character goes, one of his major journeys is realizing what a great person he has in Rita. And for him, the biggest obstacle in coming to this realization is speaking it out loud and admitting that he’d be better off with her in his life. That’s one of the hardest things any human being has ever had to do.
8. Eat like you mean it.
There are few other examples of a character in a film eating with such enthusiasm.
9. Setting your alarm clock to a radio station is the worst idea.
You may not get “I’ve Got You Babe,” but the odds you’d get something nearly as annoying are pretty good. It makes an iPhone alarm tone seem downright soothing. And yeah, that alarm clock got what was coming to it.
10. At the end of the day, Groundhog Day is a strange holiday.
Sure, Murray’s character comes around to the warm fuzzies at the end, but in his grumbling, he might just tip you off about the silliness of Groundhog Day. With no disrespect to the people of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, does it seem strange to you that we put faith in a rodent to predict when Spring will get here? Especially if Punxsutawney Phil is wrong more often than not? According to a recent USA Today piece, since 1988, the groundhog in question has been about as accurate as flipping a coin would be. What a weird holiday.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in film analysis and a devoted enthusiast of Groundhog Day, I can confidently say that this iconic 1993 Bill Murray movie offers more than just laughs. Groundhog Day, directed by Harold Ramis, is a comedy with a deeper meaning that resonates with audiences even after all these years.
One of the most profound lessons that Groundhog Day imparts is the idea that without consequences, nothing truly matters. This principle, though seemingly basic, is a fundamental aspect of being a well-adjusted human being. The film reminds us that every action we take has an impact on those around us, and it's essential to consider the effects we have on others. We are defined by the ripple effect we create in the lives of others.
Another valuable lesson from the movie is the importance of making the most of downtime. Phil Connors, brilliantly played by Bill Murray, finds himself trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again. Instead of succumbing to despair, he utilizes this unique situation to learn French and master the piano. This teaches us that even in seemingly hopeless circ*mstances, there are opportunities for growth and self-improvement.
Furthermore, Groundhog Day emphasizes the significance of perseverance. Phil attempts various methods to escape his predicament, including contemplating suicide. However, he soon realizes that giving up is not the solution. This teaches us that no matter how challenging or repetitive a situation may seem, it's essential to keep pushing forward and seek alternative solutions.
The movie also highlights the importance of human connections. At the beginning of the film, Phil is a cynical and detached individual who disregards the people around him. However, his time in Punxsutawney forces him to interact and genuinely get to know the people he would have otherwise ignored. Through these interactions, he learns the value of human relationships and the impact they can have on one's life.
Groundhog Day also encourages us to live each day as if it were our last. Murray's character takes time to reflect on how he would act if there were no tomorrow. This prompts him to make meaningful changes in his life and leave a lasting impression on those around him. It prompts viewers to question their own actions and consider how they would like to be remembered.
Additionally, the film teaches us to disregard rules that hold no real value. Phil's repeated experiences compel him to reevaluate his own behaviors and discard those that are insignificant or detrimental. This encourages viewers to reflect on their own lives and let go of unnecessary constraints.
Another lesson from Groundhog Day is the importance of expressing gratitude and affection towards others. Phil's journey involves realizing the value of his relationship with Rita, his producer, and acknowledging that he would be better off with her in his life. It highlights the difficulty of expressing emotions and the transformative power of doing so.
Moreover, the film showcases Phil's enthusiasm for food, reminding us to savor life's simple pleasures and enjoy every moment to the fullest.
On a lighter note, Groundhog Day humorously demonstrates the folly of setting your alarm clock to a radio station. The repetitive, annoying sounds of "I've Got You Babe" play a significant role in Phil's daily routine, emphasizing the importance of choosing a more soothing wake-up call.
Lastly, the movie questions the peculiar nature of Groundhog Day as a holiday. It prompts us to consider the absurdity of placing faith in a rodent's prediction of the arrival of spring. While the people of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, hold this tradition dear, the accuracy of Punxsutawney Phil's predictions is questionable at best. This aspect of the film invites us to reflect on the strange customs and traditions we uphold without questioning their logic.
In conclusion, Groundhog Day is more than just a comedy; it is a thought-provoking film that offers valuable life lessons. From the importance of consequences and seizing opportunities to the power of perseverance and human connections, this movie encourages viewers to reflect on their own lives and strive for personal growth. So, as we celebrate this strange holiday, let us not only enjoy the laughs but also delve deeper into the profound messages that Groundhog Day has to offer.
