about this blog
Just as the movie Groundhog Day has been a significant personal experience for so many of you, it has been umptiphimally personal for me. Can you imagine how large that is?
Welcome, my friends, to the Blogus groundhogus.
Three things are supposed to happen here. First, I will share with you what I know about all things groundhogological. As you will see, Groundhog Day has seeped into my life and touched all of its resident parts, including the screenwriter, the parent, the citizen, the, uh, dog owner, music lover, gearhead, etc.
Second, I invite you to tell me what you know – by answering queries (my “Human Experiments”, offering comments, or posting links to the library.
By sharing in this fashion I believe we will bring about the third thing: a powerful community – a veritable “Knob” of people – all touched by the movie, and perhaps seeing its echo in unexpected and interesting places. And, need I say, we are dedicated to using our collective power for goodness and not for badness.
In my personal Groundhog Day, I got to write a movie that still makes me feel good, and grateful, and proud, and optimistic, every day of my life.
Beat that.
As a grateful fan of your movie I can barely imagine the satisfaction those of you who created “Groundhog Day” must feel. Thanks to every one of you.
I have a few topics to suggest for your discussion. I hope this is the correct spot for them. These questions or thoughts occurred to me the other day while chopping corn stalks on a cold November day. Five hours in the tractor seat gives a person time to mull things over.
1. Since Phil spent considerable time being “stuck” in the same day and in the same town, once he became “unstuck” would the opportunities, limitless possibilities, or even just the ability to change the things around him–would this new reality freak him out? It almost seems like it at the end of the movie when he says, “Let’s live here.”
2. In Phil’s daily reality there was little loss. Maybe the old man living on the street… or Buster choking on his steak… or the kid falling out of the tree… but even they were back again the next day. Everyone was there every morning. There was a tomorrow for them all. It makes you wonder why Phil tried to save or rescue them. They would be there safe and sound the next day. Was it to save them from pain and suffering? Or was it in case some day there might be a new day tomorrow?
3. What if instead of Phil’s day repeating it was Rita’s? She was already a generous, caring, and decent person. How would getting stuck in time change her? For the worse? Or would it just be a test of her character?
4. What if Phil finally woke up, not a day later–but two days earlier? Or, for that matter, a year earlier?
5. I’m a member of a screenwriter’s group and the discussion occasionally turns to which is more important to screenwriting–technical mastery or passion for the story and characters? Surely both are necessary, but if one were to be the dominant concern which one should it be?
6. What movies or books or other sources of inspiration are important to you?
While there are no particularly profound thoughts or questions here, I’d still enjoy your take on these things.
Al -
I have a lot to say about each and every one of these points, and would enjoy getting into a discussion with you and everybody else. I’ll likely be taking them on one at a time in the blog as each issue rises to the top. In the meantime, I’m grateful for your thoughtfulness and welcome your continued participation!
danny
Hi Danny
I had to laugh reading your essay on Al Anon. It was in an Al Anon meeting, which I was attending because of an alcoholic boyfriend, where I realized that my acting career was just another bad, abusive boyfriend. He reeled me in with flattery, promises, and nibbles. Then he used me, criticized, and neglected me. And just when I was ready to break up, he lured me back in with another nibble. Oh, I went back. And forth. And back. (To the career, not to the boyfriend.)
Until I finally decided to find a better “boyfriend:” a career where I was respected for my work, treated well and fairly, and where age would be an asset rather than a liability.
So I became a writer.
I’m back in Al Anon.
Thanks for making me laugh.
Susan -
no, thank YOU for making ME laugh! And thanks for validating my pov on al anon and Hwood.
The essays in the “Essays” section of my website are basically scribblings I found which pre-date the blog. I guess here is as good a place to comment on them as any, and I welcome anybody to go visit and then give me feedback here.
– danny
MR Ruben Ireally injoy the Ground Hog day movie it was good
i think its great the movie show romantic part and like at the weend where he fall in love with his producer it would melt a women heart in secound
becouse i was born on groundhog day and loved it
I just finished watching the movie (again) and, this time, I focused on the notion that Phil only found peace when he did nothing but enjoy each moment — even though the moments were virtually exactly the same. Then, with contentment, he was able to feel comfortable.
I have been a big fan of the movie for a long time but have never celebrated. I will next year and let you know.
Kim
Thanks Kim. It’s kind of confusing to focus on living in the NOW while planning for next year’s party. Welcome to the ultimate human conundrum. Okay - one of them.