Media Class
Groundhog Day
[movie lesson]
Getting Started

Groundhog Day is a comedy about a weatherman named Phil Connors, who is sent to cover the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The festival takes place on February the 2nd. Phil is unhappy and frustrated with his job, his life, and the small town. However, on his way back to Pittsburgh, he discovers that the highway is closed because of a huge blizzard. He is forced to return and stay overnight in Punxsutawney. Phil doesn’t know it yet, but is caught in a time loop, and he is forced to relive the same day over and over again.

At first, Phil is confused and doesn't understand what's happening. But soon, he realizes that he is the only one who knows what will happen each day, and he uses this knowledge to his advantage. For example, he robs a bank--knowing there are no consequences for his actions.

Realizing that he can't escape this loop, he starts to experiment with different behaviors and actions, and eventually, he becomes a better person.

During his repeated Groundhog Days, Phil learns new skills, such as playing the piano, ice sculpting, and speaking French. He also becomes kinder and more compassionate towards others. He helps a homeless man, saves a choking man's life, and falls in love with his colleague, Rita.

In the end, and after many years, Phil finally breaks the time loop by changing his attitude towards life and finding true love. He wakes up on February 3, and it's a new day—a new beginning for him.

Comprehension Questions
  1. What is Phil's job?
  2. Why can't Phil go back to the city (Pittsburgh)?
  3. What is Phil "caught" in?
  4. What does he realize about this loop?
  5. What are some new skills he learns while in this time loop?
  6. Give some examples of how he learns to help people.
  7. How does he break his time loop?
Discussion
  1. If you were to be stuck in a time loop, do you have a particular day you would choose to be "stuck" in? Explain.
  2. Talk about the affects of a time loop in general.