Film Studies: Groundhog Day Essay

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The comedy Groundhog Day depicts the journey through which the protagonist Phil Connors discovers various qualities of his character. In particular, this individual is able to see that he can be caring, tender, and empathetic. Moreover, the protagonist understands that his cynicism serves only as of the shield that hides his vulnerability.

To a great extent, this film can be compared to the mythic journeys that lead to the moral transformation of a person; the only difference is that the film-makers rely on such a narrative device as time-loop in order to show how the inner world Phil Connors changes. So, this paper is aimed at discussing the way in which the protagonist evolves.

It should be noted that at the beginning, Phil Connors can be viewed as a very rude person who does not want to establish closer relations with other people. Additionally, when he understands that he is caught in the time loop, Phil only tries to take advantage of this situation. For instance, he robs a bank and seduces women living in the town (Groundhog Day). When this character understands that he cannot escape the time loop, he tries to commit suicide.

The protagonist does not think of helping other people. This is one of the aspects that can be singled out because it can throw light on his values and beliefs. His attitude changes only at the time when he befriends Rita. This woman is able to show him that life is much more valuable than he thinks. Furthermore, Phil understands that he should learn more about the surrounding world. For example, he learns to play the piano in order to become more attractive to her.

On the whole, this movie can be viewed as the fantasy of many adults who wish to change their lives (Yoder 14). In many cases, it seems to them that they are deprived of this opportunity. Furthermore, many of these people appear to be rather disillusioned (Lawrence and Mathews 315). Thus, this film throws light on the experiences of many people.

This film can be compared to various mythic narratives that illustrate the journey of a person. In this context, the word journey can be viewed as the transformation of a person’s inner world. Overall, it is possible to mention Buddha because his spiritual transformation was also completed during his journey. In both stories, a person is forced to look at the world from a different perspective. For instance, Buddha learns that life is very different outside his palace in which he lives (Breaux 94).

This journey eventually leads to his enlightenment. In turn, Phil sees that depression and cynicism must not become the dominant worldviews of a person. Moreover, he understands that love can empower a person and help him/her appreciate beauty. Thus, one can argue that his journey can be compared to the discovery of the inner self. This is one of the details that should be taken into consideration.

On the whole, the film Groundhog Day shows how a person can discover meaning in his/her life. Phil Connors is able to see that there are many beautiful things that are worth living for. The plot of this movie bears resemblance to many mythical narratives describing the transformation of a person’s inner world. These narratives depict the spiritual journey which prompts a person to look at the world from a different perspective. These are the main details that can be singled out.

Works Cited

Breaux, Charles. Journey Into Consciousness: The Chakras, Tantra and Jungian Psychology. New York: Motilal Banarsidass Publ., 1998. Print.

Groundhog Day. Ex. Prod. Trevor Albert. New York: Columbia Pictures, 1993. DVD.

Lawrence, Janice, and Michael Mathews. The Oxford Handbook of Military Psychology, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012. Print.

Yoder, Don. Groundhog Day, New York: Stackpole Books, 2003. Print.

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