27.03.08

Groundhog Day

Posted in Film at 6:23 pm by James Print This Post

This would have to be one of the most “claimed” films of all time. Probably every religion and spiritual following has claimed this film tells the ‘truth’ of their message. I guess it is little wonder we have included it here in our list of films.

In case you are not familiar with the story, it concerns a weather man who upon visiting a small town on groundhog day to do a report, finds himself trapped into repeating the same day, over and over and over again. From the different ways he tries to cope until his eventual release, we follow in his misadventures, meanness, plotting and planning and final redemption.

The film is full of humour and wry observations of human nature (as epitomised by ‘everyman’ Phil) and you will probably find at least one moment where you wince in your “I’ve been there…” moment.

Of course we do not get to know how long Phil remains in his time loop. It could be years, given all the things he is able to learn. But we do know what sets him free. Something all students of the Course (indeed many spiritual paths) would recognise. A moment of total selflessness.