From Idea to Script to Sale
Winter Films - 11
Yesterday was Groundhog’s Day. If you’re not from the U.S., you might wonder what in the world that is. First let me tell you it makes no sense at all, but here’s what I know. It comes from a Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if the groundhog comes out of its burrow on February 2nd and sees its shadow—which will happen if the weather is clear—there will be six more weeks of winter. If it’s cloudy, though, and he doesn’t see his shadow, spring will arrive early.
Needless to say, studies have found absolutely nothing to support this superstitious ritual. And depending on where you live, that groundhog either saw his shadow or he didn’t.
But February 2nd marks the midpoint between the winter solstice in December and the spring equinox in March, so chances are that’s why the date was originally chosen.
And the movie Groundhog Day [1993] takes place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania because that’s where the first groundhog—named Punxsutawney Phil after King Phillip—saw his shadow. Or didn’t. Accounts differ.
ANYWAY Groundhog Day has become a film that is popular because of the premise it raises and is even used in philosophy classes to demonstrate what living a meaningful life is about.
It also takes place in winter. And it’s the story of a big town weatherman named Phil [how about that, also the name of the famous groundhog] who is sent very much against his will to cover Groundhog Day in this small town of Punxsutawney… he’s done it many times before and he rankles at having to do it yet again. But he has an attractive producer with him this year, Rita, and she makes it a tad more interesting.
Interesting—looking at this winter story through the point-of-view of a weatherman. And all during the story, winter is not his friend. From getting splashed in a slushy puddle as he steps off a curb to having a snowstorm block anyone from leaving town, the winter weather is a killer.
Phil is also a cold guy on the inside. He objectifies women, he’s used to getting his own way, and he’s as cynical as they come. But he wants to go out with Rita so he tries… pretty pathetically, but he tries. And when he wakes up—after a night where she slapped his face—to find he’s living the same day all over again, he does things differently so that he’ll get more from her than a slap. But it doesn’t work. He has to live the same day over and over and over again before anything approaching even a real conversation with Rita happens. And it only happens when HE changes, when HE becomes more human. When the coldness at his core begins to melt.
Groundhog Day is one big life lesson. And it’s something to think about as you build your own winter film. Do you want to write something that has real meaning beyond just the drama or comedy you’ll infuse in it? Do you want to write a movie that says something?
Just what is the movie you want to write?
Copyright © Diane Lake
03Feb19
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