Ground Hog Day

The first time I watched Groundhog Day, I was around ten years of age. I thought it was just a peculiar movie about a man who repeats each day until he finally gets the woman he loves. In seeing that it is in fact a philosophical movie, I decided to watch the film once more to see what signs I missed. The storyline consists of an unhappy, self-consumed weather reporter named Phil, who is sent to report on a renowned groundhog in Punxsutawney with his new producer Rita and a long-time cameraman. A snowstorm prevents him from leaving the place he so dreads only to find that the next day will be exactly the same. To him, there is literally no tomorrow as it is always the second of February. Initially, he hates this repetition though he gradually begins to make the best of the situation. He tries to court Rita and fails each time, and begins to change himself in order to get the woman of his dreams. The movie ends with Rita finally falling in love with Phil and life returns to normal.

The philosophy behind the film may be based on Aristotle's virtue ethics, whereby he set out five steps in leading a virtuous life. The first principle is reason excellently, the second being moderation of actions. The third step is the understanding that one does need some luck as someone can only go a certain distance by himself or herself. The fourth principle is that the right goal in life is important. One should choose contempt as their primary goal as the mind is the only thing that will not fail. Finally, the fifth aspect is that it takes a lifetime to know if you are living a virtuous life. Groundhog Days philosophical foundation is based on these five principles, primarily the final three. This paper will discuss the role of virtue ethics in

The first step of excellent reasoning is not very prominent, though one is able to see the change in the protagonist's behavior towards the end. Phil becomes more caring to others and starts to appreciate the finer things in life, such as music. The second step may be seen throughout Phil's experience as he attempts to be one type of man to impress Rita, though he was at either sides of the spectrum of being the man of her dreams. It was not until he was actually himself and not someone he was trying to be, that he got the girl. The third principle, concerning luck, may be seen throughout the film, as there is some type of external force that makes him repeat each day; it may be luck or it may be fate that is helping him see what truly matters in life. The fourth principle is the most prominent throughout the movie. Even at ten I was able to understand the moral of the story. Phil's life really has nothing to offer apart from him being a weatherman as his goal in life revolves around fame and pleasure- both of which will not lead anyone towards a virtuous life. It is not until Phil realizes that what he really wants is happiness as it is linked with a life of contemplation. Fame and pleasure are not permanent sources of happiness as each one will