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Groundhog Day (film) | HearLore
— Ch. 1 · Conception And Original Draft —
Groundhog Day (film).
~12 min read · Ch. 1 of 8
In 1990, screenwriter Danny Rubin sat in a theater lobby reading Anne Rice's The Vampire Lestat. He began musing about vampiric immortality and what one would do with their time if it was limitless. Rubin reasoned that vampires were like normal people who did not need to adhere to ordinary rules or moral boundaries. He questioned if and when immortality would become boring or pointless. He singled out men he deemed to be in arrested development, who could not outlive their adolescence. Having recently sold his first script for the thriller film Hear No Evil, his agent prompted him to develop a calling-card script. Rubin began work on his idea of a man changing over eternal life. He quickly realized that the idea was impractical because of the expense of depicting historical and future events. At this point, Rubin recalled a brief story concept he had written two years earlier that followed a man who woke every morning to find it was the same day repeating. Rubin married the two ideas to create the outline for Groundhog Day. By portraying eternity as a repeating cycle instead of a straight line through history, he eliminated production costs. He believed that the repetition also offered more dramatic and comedic possibilities. Rubin opened a calendar and picked February 2, Groundhog Day. He saw it as a date with story potential because it was a recognized holiday without much widespread attention. Even so, he believed few people outside Pennsylvania were aware that the actual festival takes place in the small town of Punxsutawney. Setting the story in Punxsutawney provided a small area in which to trap Phil Connors. Reporting on the event gave the character a reason to visit. Rubin took the main character's name from Punxsutawney Phil. He hoped the film could become a perennial holiday favorite like It's a Wonderful Life or A Charlie Brown Christmas. Rubin spent eight weeks working on the story. Seven weeks went into making notes to define rules and characters. One week went into writing the script. He struggled to establish a cause for the time loop. He considered technological, magical, and celestial origins. He chose to begin the story with Phil already caught in the time loop. The first scene included Phil waking to Sonny & Cher's I Got You Babe. He predicted radio host banter and hotel patron actions before attacking a pedestrian outside.
Danny Rubin wrote the original script for Groundhog Day. He developed the idea in 1990 and collaborated with Harold Ramis on revisions.
When was the film Groundhog Day released to theaters?
Groundhog Day had its premiere on the 4th of February 1993 at Fox Theater Westwood Village Los Angeles. The wide North America release occurred on the 12th of February 1993 across 1,640 theaters.
Where did principal photography for Groundhog Day take place?
Principal photography for Groundhog Day took place mainly in Woodstock as well as sets in Cary Illinois and Hollywood. Filming began on the 16th of March 1992 and concluded June 10 after 86 days.
How long does Phil Connors remain trapped in the time loop according to estimates?
Estimates suggest Phil Connors remains trapped in the time loop for approximately 34 years or 12,400 days. Some interpretations indicate the duration could be between 70 and 80 years based on books used to track passage of time.
Why was Punxsutawney chosen as the setting for Groundhog Day?
Punxsutawney was chosen because it is a small town where the actual festival takes place without much widespread attention outside Pennsylvania. Setting the story there provided a confined area to trap Phil Connors while giving him a reason to visit via reporting duties.
Rubin's agent used the script to arrange meetings with producers. Although it did not sell, the meetings generated other work for him. In 1991, after his agent left the industry, Rubin distributed the Groundhog Day script. It came to the attention of Richard Lovett at Creative Arts Agency. Lovett passed the script to his client Harold Ramis. By the early 1990s, Ramis had begun moving away from anti-establishment comedies like Caddyshack. His last directorial effort Club Paradise had been a critical and commercial failure. He wanted to direct an unusual project. He was particularly interested in comedies about redemption and discovering one's purpose in life. Ramis admitted that he did not laugh while reading Rubin's script. He was interested in the underlying spirituality and romance present. He thought it needed more humor. The pair discussed core ideas in the script. They raised parallels between it and concepts of Buddhism and reincarnation. They also discussed whether it was ethical for Superman to effectively waste time on adventures with Lois Lane. Rubin's script became the subject of two offers. One arranged by Ramis through Columbia Pictures would grant higher budget but cost creative control. A smaller independent studio offered a lower budget of $3 million but let Rubin retain original concept. Rubin chose to go with Ramis's deal. As expected, the studio wanted changes. Writing Rubin admitted to becoming defensive about the studio's changes. He was concerned they would remove innovative plot points. Ramis supervised the rewrite. He tasked himself with balancing Rubin's desire for originality and the studio's demand for broad comedy. The pair loosely used the Kübler-Ross model of five stages of grief as an outline. Ramis imagined himself in Phil's situation. He considered things he would do if trapped in same cycle of entrapment. The pair spent weeks revising the script. Ramis suggested that Rubin's original ending be removed. He felt audiences would dislike this as it offered no catharsis. Similarly, he felt it was important to retain darker elements like suicides. These compensated for necessary sentimental moments. Rubin delivered a fresh draft on the 2nd of February 1991. He was contractually permitted to write another draft. The studio had Ramis take over bringing Rubin's involvement to an end. Ramis took Rubin's new draft and began his solo rewrite. He found sentimentality completely opposed to everything he learned as comedian. He deliberately tempered sweeter moments with cynical tone. Ramis reorganized script into mainstream three-act narrative. He emphasized Phil's smug attitude as means of distancing himself from others.
Casting And Character Choices
For role of Phil Connors, Chevy Chase, Tom Hanks, and Michael Keaton were also considered. Hanks was Ramis's first choice but rejected offer. He rationalized that he was typecast portraying nice people. Audience would expect inevitable redemption whereas Murray was such miserable person on and off screen. Outcome would be less predictable. Keaton said role of wry sardonic glib character was typical for him. He simply did not understand film. He later confessed regret in passing on role. Phil was written as younger man. This changed when determined appropriate comic actors were all older. Murray and Ramis had longstanding friendship since 1974. They worked together on many projects including Meatballs Caddyshack and Ghostbusters. Rubin did not write character as particularly nasty. Aimed for normal person in extranormal situation. In casting Murray, Phil portrayed more cynical sarcastic detached. Not so malicious that audiences no longer support him. Rubin wanted Kevin Kline for part believing Murray lacked necessary acting ability. Ramis reassured Rubin saying Don't worry. This is what Bill Murray can do. He can be that nasty and still make you like him. MacDowell agreed saying He's a jerk but makes you laugh. Albert auditioned comedians for role of Rita. He determined someone competing with Murray at comedy detrimental. Rita not intended to trade witty comments with Phil. Instead offered human warmth and intelligence. MacDowell cast because thought bring effortless grace suited to Rita's character. She tried adapt to Murray's natural improvisation in scenes. Singer Tori Amos also considered for role. Tobolowsky hired after delivering overwhelmingly obnoxious portrayal during audition. Michael Shannon made on-screen acting debut in film. He spent much shoot in background of diner scene. All actors placed even if camera not focused on them. Live groundhog named Scooter used portray Punxsutawney Phil. Officials upset town not used filming refused allow real Punxsutawney Phil appear.
Production Challenges In Woodstock
Principal photography began the 16th of March 1992 and concluded June 10 after 86 days. Budget reported between $14.6 million and $30 million. Filming took place mainly in Woodstock as well sets in Cary Illinois and Hollywood. Weather conditions varied considerably during filming. Much shoot conducted conditions described frigid bitterly cold. Murray estimated often below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Conditions persisted until end May. Murray said being outside up to 12 hours day left skin feeling raw. Irritable behavior followed exposure. Toward end shoot summer began fake snow used replicate winter setting. Actors continued wear winter gear despite rising heat. Ramis could not decide weather conditions background Phil and Ned encounters. Shot nine scenes multiple times differing conditions. Settled gloomy setting indicate loop coming end. Weather major factor two-week shoot car crash scene. Shoot mired tensions between Ramis and Murray. Ramis focused making romantic comedy direct contrast Murray desire contemplative film. Murray middle divorce from Margaret Kelly. Reportedly miserable throughout filming demonstrated erratic behavior. Threw tantrums often contradicted Ramis decisions. Ramis said Murray constantly showed late set calling behavior irrationally mean unavailable. Two also disagreed script other actors performances. Shannon recounted believed upset Murray during encounter. When Ramis heard made Murray publicly apologize to Shannon. Tobolowsky recounted before scene first take Murray walked bakery bought pastries. He threw gathered onlookers using Tobolowsky help carry load. Script continued change during filming. When Tobolowsky arrived first scene handed new script. Estimated about third different original copy. Early film Phil ends first loop breaking pencil see repaired following day. More elaborate scene filmed Phil spray-painted walls room destroyed objects gave Mohawk hairstyle. Scene took three days film costly. Ramis discarded something quieter simpler less manic. Revised script featured more Phil misadventures suicide attempts set closer end. These moved forward favor long third act showing Phil embracing life. Murray endured physical discomfort some scenes. Prepare step water-filled pothole wrapped foot cling wrap neoprene two pairs socks. As soon scene finished began expletive-filled rant until costume department dried foot hairdryers avoid frostbite. For another scene asked MacDowell really slap him. Ramis instructed children snowball fight throw hard. During scene Phil drives truck over cliff groundhog bit knuckle. Bite broke skin despite gloves worn. Later take groundhog bit again same spot.
Release Strategy And Box Office Performance
Premiere Groundhog Day took place the 4th of February 1993 at Fox Theater Westwood Village Los Angeles. Murray did not attend low-budget event guests included Rodney Dangerfield Catherine O'Hara Mimi Rogers Virginia Madsen. $40,000 entry ticket sales profits donated Scleroderma Research Foundation Turning Point Shelter. Second premiere followed next day Crystal Lake Illinois auction props signed equipment proceeds donated Woodstock school district. North America wide release the 12th of February 1993 across 1,640 theaters. Film earned $12.5 million average $7,632 per theater. Benefited four-day weekend President's Day holiday Monday. Increased weekend total to $14.6 million enhancing theater average $8,934. Made second-biggest opening film released winter behind Wayne's World $18 million year before. Finished number one film weekend ahead romantic drama Sommersby adventure comedy Homeward Bound Incredible Journey. Screenings approximately 80% sold out. 65% audiences polled said definitely recommend it. Retained number-one position second weekend further gross $9.3 million. Third weekend dropped second place with $7.6 million behind debuting crime thriller Falling Down $8.7 million. Remained top ten grossing films further four weeks earning total $57.6 million. Spent remainder run outside top ten apart two brief resurgences. One during long Easter weekend mid-April rose number two. Approximately 15 weeks into run rose number seven after released low-price ticket theaters. Total film earned approximate box office gross $70.9 million. Though did not break records considered success modest one. Finished tenth highest-grossing film 1993 behind Free Willy Cliffhanger. Accounting films released end 1993 earned most box office 1994 Groundhog Day becomes 14th highest-grossing film 1993. Industry experts suggest as of 1997 box office returns studio minus theater share was $32.5 million. Outside North America estimated earn further $34.2 million giving cumulative worldwide gross $105 million making 19th highest-grossing film year worldwide.
Critical Reception And Accolades
Groundhog Day received generally positive reviews from critics. CinemaScore polls reported moviegoers gave average rating B+ scale A+ to F. Seen significant change previous works Murray and Ramis. Kenneth Turan appreciated gentle endearing smaller-scale film. Hal Hinson called best American comedy since 1982 Tootsie also featuring Murray. Said demonstrated Ramis capable comedic timing offered clever plot without pretension. Critics compared combination It's a Wonderful Life surreal science-fiction horror television series Twilight Zone 1959. Roger Ebert compared Murray-starring Christmas-comedy Scrooged 1988 featuring similar transformation selfish selfless. Where that film offered grim discontent Groundhog Day offered optimism. Critics agreed obvious moral disagreed presentation. Desson Thomson found initially intriguing believed deteriorated Hollywood-style morality tale. Turan opinion started traditional Hollywood story earnest enough convert audience end romantic innocence prevented formulaic. Hinson said moral core never presented way insult viewer intelligence required sacrifice cynicism accept. Continued Phil evolves better version himself never stops being jerk. According Janet Maslin balanced sentimentality nihilism. Hollywood Reporter endorsed small town morals positive effect Phil. New Statesman argued appealed simultaneously cynicism optimism. Tone described inconsistent poorly paced some scenes going long. Owen Glieberman compared unfavorably another time-travel film Back to Future 1985 found more cleverly structured. Described some scenes isolated comedy sketches rather part larger narrative. Thomson said repetition scenes worked against film seeming no progress made. Hinson countered minor alterations kept interesting part brilliantly imaginative complex script. Some reviewers humor often mild eliciting small chuckles instead outright hilarity. Although Hinson found wildly funny. Hollywood Reporter wrote range comedy satire tempered love story between Phil Rita. Critics highlighted deeper story behind comedy. Ebert called surface comedy underlying thoughtfulness. Maslin initial impression lightweight fare became strangely affecting. Murray consistently praised performance. Critics agreement essential film success making Phil transformation believable. Gene Siskel wrote any other actor prevent becoming too saccharine. Turan natural gruffness comedic barbs prevented over-sentimentality. Appreciated endearing performance compared abrasive past performances. Hinson said never funnier. Continued vital component keeping optimism seeming dishonest manufactured. Liked even after redemption retains cynical edge. Glieberman believed indifference retains audience attention added talented enough play redeemed person not good fit him. Ebert found significantly funnier sarcastic antagonist friendly protagonist. Critics enamored MacDowell performance. Siskel lit screen when on. Maslin thorough delight saying offered comforting comedic presence. Hinson on-screen chemistry MacDowell Murray otherworldly perfect fit comedy. Tobolowsky also received praise hilarious pest.
Thematic Analysis And Religious Interpretations
Duration Phil real-time entrapment time loop subject much discussion. Ramis once said believed film took place ten years. When blogger estimated actual length approximately nine years disputed estimate own. Replied takes least 10 years become good activity such ice sculpting speak French allotting down-time misguided years spent more like 30 or 40 years. Similar estimate suggests takes least 10,000 hours study just over year's worth time become expert field given number loops seen mentioned screen long Phil spend per day studying spent approximately 12,400 days nearly 34 years trapped loop. Rubin original concept draft Phil himself estimates trapped between 70 and 80 years used books track passage time. Born Jewish family Ramis adopted Buddhist lifestyle second wife embracing precepts. Said based Buddhist doctrine takes approximately 10,000 years soul evolve next level. In 2005 Rubin said became weird political issue asked studio how long repetition they'd say two weeks point movie feel enduring something going long time. For me had to hundred years lifetime. Book Groundhog Day Ryan Gilbey thought vagueness surrounding length loop remarkable elements film. Just justification why how caught loop length time only long takes Phil become better person. Character Phil Connors interpreted bodhisattva someone helps others reach nirvana. Film interpreted many ways different groups. Rubin said did not set write spiritual allegory simply wanted tell story human life periods person becomes trapped cycle cannot escape. Said not just man repeating same day story live. Whose life series days? Who doesn't feel stuck time time? Bowling alley scene asks Punxsutawney residents understand place nothing matters referring own situation men trapped small-town lives know exactly mean. While Rubin Ramis discussed philosophical spiritual aspects never intended anything more good heartfelt entertaining story. Murray saw original script interpretation people repeat same day over over afraid change. Rubin added start loop worst day Phil life forced change embrace world moment becomes best day falls love.