I forgot a John Ford western. My Darling Clementine, goes right in with The Searches and Stagecoach at the top of the list.
Films Worth Viewing
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I forgot a John Ford western. My Darling Clementine, goes right in with The Searches and Stagecoach at the top of the list.
"The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance"-John Ford-1962
I have a warm spot for this film because I first saw it in New Delhi. In India theaters often show English language films Saturday Mornings. I will try to keep my comments on this one to what is on the screen. The story line is both simple and complex. Ransom Stoddard (Jimmy Stewart) is a young lawyer who travels West following Horace Greeley's directive:"Go West young man..." The stage he is on is robbed and he is savagely beaten by Liberty Valance. This is told in flashback to a group of newspaper people. Stoddard is rescued by a local rancher, Tom Doniphon,(John Wayne). He is brought to a restaurant where he is treated by the family who owns the restaurant.
The film continues to develop the story of Stoddard who tries to build a new life. In addition to his duties in the family restaurant; he goes to work for the local paper, "The Shinbone Star," teaches reading and writing to
locals, and develops a relationship with the daughter in the family restaurant, Halle Ericson (Vera Miles). Liberty Valence (Lee Marvin) comes into town, trips Stoddard and a platter of food hits the floor. Valance orders Rance to pick up the steak This provokes a standoff between Valance and Doniphon. Stoddard picks up the steak to avert the showdown.
The showdown is only delayed. After a failure in getting himself elected as a Territorial Delegate, Valance challenges Stoddard to a shoot out on the street of Shinbone. The alternative is for Stoddard to leave the Territory. Stoddard is prepared but changes his mind when the newspaper editor is beaten near death. The showdown takes place, shots are fired, and Valance is dead.
Stoddard has returned to Shinbone for the funeral of Doniphon. He has become a man of distinction, governor, ambassador to England, and currently US senator. This was built upon his fame as the man who shot Liberty Valance. Stoddard tells the truth to the reporters, Valance was shot by Tom Doniphon.
What is Ford trying to say? The tagline "Print the Legend" is best indication. The film is worthy of discussion, thoughtful discussion. Is Ford commentating on his history as a director of westerns? Clearly
there is a tension between old western heroes and progress.
Peter Bogdanovich regards this as the last classic western. Roger Ebert says this is an old man's film. There are a number of definitions of what constitutes a great film. For me greatness must include not only a film which offer new treasures in repeated viewings, but also gives you something to think about.
I have a warm spot for this film because I first saw it in New Delhi. In India theaters often show English language films Saturday Mornings. I will try to keep my comments on this one to what is on the screen. The story line is both simple and complex. Ransom Stoddard (Jimmy Stewart) is a young lawyer who travels West following Horace Greeley's directive:"Go West young man..." The stage he is on is robbed and he is savagely beaten by Liberty Valance. This is told in flashback to a group of newspaper people. Stoddard is rescued by a local rancher, Tom Doniphon,(John Wayne). He is brought to a restaurant where he is treated by the family who owns the restaurant.
The film continues to develop the story of Stoddard who tries to build a new life. In addition to his duties in the family restaurant; he goes to work for the local paper, "The Shinbone Star," teaches reading and writing to
locals, and develops a relationship with the daughter in the family restaurant, Halle Ericson (Vera Miles). Liberty Valence (Lee Marvin) comes into town, trips Stoddard and a platter of food hits the floor. Valance orders Rance to pick up the steak This provokes a standoff between Valance and Doniphon. Stoddard picks up the steak to avert the showdown.
The showdown is only delayed. After a failure in getting himself elected as a Territorial Delegate, Valance challenges Stoddard to a shoot out on the street of Shinbone. The alternative is for Stoddard to leave the Territory. Stoddard is prepared but changes his mind when the newspaper editor is beaten near death. The showdown takes place, shots are fired, and Valance is dead.
Stoddard has returned to Shinbone for the funeral of Doniphon. He has become a man of distinction, governor, ambassador to England, and currently US senator. This was built upon his fame as the man who shot Liberty Valance. Stoddard tells the truth to the reporters, Valance was shot by Tom Doniphon.
What is Ford trying to say? The tagline "Print the Legend" is best indication. The film is worthy of discussion, thoughtful discussion. Is Ford commentating on his history as a director of westerns? Clearly
there is a tension between old western heroes and progress.
Peter Bogdanovich regards this as the last classic western. Roger Ebert says this is an old man's film. There are a number of definitions of what constitutes a great film. For me greatness must include not only a film which offer new treasures in repeated viewings, but also gives you something to think about.
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I watched Mary Queen of Scots. This is why they should never make movies for girls. Awful. Awful. Awful. If they make this movie for boys there are lots of opportunities for action and interesting things. Instead it's just talking and ladies-in-waiting giggling. I watched because its an interesting period in history, all of which was turned into a dull gray mess. Did I mention it was awful. There isn't single good performance by anyone in the film. Awful.
BTW, listening to Gene Pitney (of Somers, Ct) sing the title song to Liberty Valance is more interesting than the entire MQoS movie.
BTW, listening to Gene Pitney (of Somers, Ct) sing the title song to Liberty Valance is more interesting than the entire MQoS movie.
nwhoopfan
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Ah good, it wasn't just me. I tried, but I quit halfway thru. I like Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie, but the movie didn't grab my interest at all.
CL82
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Based on what?
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8893
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CL82
James Breeding sucks
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Mmm, tough to pick the best Wayne performance I'd rank The Quiet Man and True Grit ahead of this.
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The first 15 ten minutes of this film, the killers waiting at the train station, is classic, film making as visual storytelling at its best, and the payoff when Bronson arrives is wonderful.
Bonus Material
I just watched Kurasowa's "High and Low." This film is based on an Ed McBain 84th Precinct novel, "king's Ransom." Gondo, Toshiro Mifume, is a shoe company executive involved in attempt to buy control of National
Shoes. He is approached by a group of executives with a similar plan. These directors are only interested in increasing profits; they plan to compromise quality which Gondo won't except.
The meeting breaks up. Gondo receives a phone call telling him the his son has been kidnapped and that he
must pay a 30 million yen ransom. It turns out that the kidnapper grabbed the wrong boy, the chauffeur's son,
but he still expects to be paid. The first half of the film details Gondo's decision to pay the ransom and the delivery of the ransom. The second half of the film dives deep into the Yokahama underground to find and apprehend the kidnapper.
This is Japanese film noir. The first half is brilliant; the second half can be a little overcooked, but even that is redeemed by a brilliant coda where Gondo and the kidnapper meet at the prison. Really excellent , and this isn't among the top five Kurosawa films in critics estimation.
I just watched Kurasowa's "High and Low." This film is based on an Ed McBain 84th Precinct novel, "king's Ransom." Gondo, Toshiro Mifume, is a shoe company executive involved in attempt to buy control of National
Shoes. He is approached by a group of executives with a similar plan. These directors are only interested in increasing profits; they plan to compromise quality which Gondo won't except.
The meeting breaks up. Gondo receives a phone call telling him the his son has been kidnapped and that he
must pay a 30 million yen ransom. It turns out that the kidnapper grabbed the wrong boy, the chauffeur's son,
but he still expects to be paid. The first half of the film details Gondo's decision to pay the ransom and the delivery of the ransom. The second half of the film dives deep into the Yokahama underground to find and apprehend the kidnapper.
This is Japanese film noir. The first half is brilliant; the second half can be a little overcooked, but even that is redeemed by a brilliant coda where Gondo and the kidnapper meet at the prison. Really excellent , and this isn't among the top five Kurosawa films in critics estimation.
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I need to see this.
"The Magnificent Ambersons" -Orson Welles-released in 1942.
Any discussion of this film begins with a mystery of the missing film. The amount missing depends on what source you use. The first preview had a film of 135 minutes; it was a disaster with the audience. RKO cut the
film to 88+ minutes. They didn't work at marketing the film; it was a commercial failure, this theatrical version had to be re-shot to make sense of the changes.. The first 60 minutes are as Welles intended, the last under 30
minutes are the changed version. Supposedly, the 135 minute version was sent to Welles in Brazil, don't ask.
This version has never been found despite the biggest treasure hunt in film history.
Welles has an oversized reputation among film nerds. I'm struggling to give you good reasons to watch this film. The camera work is excellent, production values are great, and there is a lot of excellent acting. The central character is very unlikable. The story is obvious, change (particularly the coming of the automobile) destroys a way of life. Morgan (Joseph Cotton) is an inventor who loved and lost an Amberson. He returns years later a widower with a beautiful daughter. They attend a ball at the Amberson mansion. George Amberson Minniver meets Lucy Morgan. The Ambersons made a ruinous investments in lights. They die like flies, and George and his aunt lose everything. The denoument has George being seriously injured in an automobile accident and Morgan coming to his aid.
This series is supposed to feature films worth viewing; this my 3rd or 4th time watching this film; I don't get the adulation, but then I'm not a Welles fan. I included this film because it deals with the loss of status and its effects.
Any discussion of this film begins with a mystery of the missing film. The amount missing depends on what source you use. The first preview had a film of 135 minutes; it was a disaster with the audience. RKO cut the
film to 88+ minutes. They didn't work at marketing the film; it was a commercial failure, this theatrical version had to be re-shot to make sense of the changes.. The first 60 minutes are as Welles intended, the last under 30
minutes are the changed version. Supposedly, the 135 minute version was sent to Welles in Brazil, don't ask.
This version has never been found despite the biggest treasure hunt in film history.
Welles has an oversized reputation among film nerds. I'm struggling to give you good reasons to watch this film. The camera work is excellent, production values are great, and there is a lot of excellent acting. The central character is very unlikable. The story is obvious, change (particularly the coming of the automobile) destroys a way of life. Morgan (Joseph Cotton) is an inventor who loved and lost an Amberson. He returns years later a widower with a beautiful daughter. They attend a ball at the Amberson mansion. George Amberson Minniver meets Lucy Morgan. The Ambersons made a ruinous investments in lights. They die like flies, and George and his aunt lose everything. The denoument has George being seriously injured in an automobile accident and Morgan coming to his aid.
This series is supposed to feature films worth viewing; this my 3rd or 4th time watching this film; I don't get the adulation, but then I'm not a Welles fan. I included this film because it deals with the loss of status and its effects.
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"A Tree Grows in Brooklyn"-Elia Kazan-1945
This was Kazan's first film. He was a young successful stage director. The film is an adaption of Betty Smith's classic novel. It is set in turn of the century Williamsburg Brooklyn. It is the story of a poor first generation family. The father, Jimmy Nolan, is a singing waiter and a drunkard, but he is also a man of great charm and love for his family. James Dunn received an Oscar for his portrayal. The tree in the title is an invasive species which pushes through the concrete and refuses to die. Francine (Peggy Ann Garner) is a bright curious 12 year old who loves her father. She is aware of his faults, but she loves and admires him nevertheless.
The setting of a tenament building was one of the most expensive sets ever built at Fox. It is the center of the film. The long suffering mother, Dorothy McGuire, holds the family together, but she knows she appears hard.
Things begin to fall apart when she discovers her pregnancy, then Jimmy Nolan dies. The family is poised on the knife edge of disaster. Francine's plan to continue her schooling and to become a writer is in peril.
This is beautifully shot and acted. The tree despite being nearly cut down and destroyed emerges again.
This may be a little difficult to find. The first time it was available was in a set. The set runs about $40 on Amazon, but it includes 14 other films among them: "Streetcar Named Desire," "East of Eden," "On the Waterfront," "A Face in the Crowd," and "America, America." Kazan is a seriously underrated director, and he was a major influence on Scorcese. This is definitely worth viewing, and is a very good introduction to Kazan.
This was Kazan's first film. He was a young successful stage director. The film is an adaption of Betty Smith's classic novel. It is set in turn of the century Williamsburg Brooklyn. It is the story of a poor first generation family. The father, Jimmy Nolan, is a singing waiter and a drunkard, but he is also a man of great charm and love for his family. James Dunn received an Oscar for his portrayal. The tree in the title is an invasive species which pushes through the concrete and refuses to die. Francine (Peggy Ann Garner) is a bright curious 12 year old who loves her father. She is aware of his faults, but she loves and admires him nevertheless.
The setting of a tenament building was one of the most expensive sets ever built at Fox. It is the center of the film. The long suffering mother, Dorothy McGuire, holds the family together, but she knows she appears hard.
Things begin to fall apart when she discovers her pregnancy, then Jimmy Nolan dies. The family is poised on the knife edge of disaster. Francine's plan to continue her schooling and to become a writer is in peril.
This is beautifully shot and acted. The tree despite being nearly cut down and destroyed emerges again.
This may be a little difficult to find. The first time it was available was in a set. The set runs about $40 on Amazon, but it includes 14 other films among them: "Streetcar Named Desire," "East of Eden," "On the Waterfront," "A Face in the Crowd," and "America, America." Kazan is a seriously underrated director, and he was a major influence on Scorcese. This is definitely worth viewing, and is a very good introduction to Kazan.
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"Grapes of Wrath"-John Ford-1940
Roger Ebert, in "The Great Movies," makes the point that this film is unwatched greatness. The same might be said about Steinbeck's novel upon which it is based. I read it in high school, probably few current 'Yarders can say the same today. The Depression has passed into a time beyond living memory, but still short of history. Psychically World War II is so much closer to our consciousness. I remember hearing that the US didn'treally get out of the Depression until WWII.
Steinbeck's novel was banned from some California libraries until 1990. Yet, it was purchased by Zannuck for the huge price of $50,000. Steinbeck agreed to the sale, but only if Ford would direct. Ford was a conservative.
This was going to be a controversial movie. Fonda fought hard for the principal role of Tom Joad. Zanuck had the background of the book investigated. Were the conditions really as bad as the book showed? Zanuck was satisfied, and the film utilizes 'Okies traveling westward as background extras in the film.
There were some parts of the book which couldn't be filmed most famously Rosannsharon offering her milked filled breasts to a starving man. There is a bit of doggeral which Tom Joad recites, if you read the book you remember it, that probably wouldn't make it in if it were re-made today. The film follows the book pretty closely, but provides a more upbeat ending.
Tom Joad, recently paroled from prison, comes home to his family. They have been pushed of their land in the dustbowl, and the family, 3 generations of Joads, is moving to California chasing the jobs promised in handbills. Tom met the former preacher who has lost his faith and brings him along. The journey is difficult, two Joads die and the husband of another left. There is huge resentment to this 'Oakie migration among the local population in rural California. They were burned out, physically attacked by locals in concert with the police, and discriminated against brutally.
Ford films realistically, but by focusing on one family avoids falling into the message movie category. The acting is truly great. The photography by Greg Tolland, one of the all time greats, is remarkable, there are no wasted shots, and the lighting and setups are flawless. Fonda, Carradine, and Jane Darwell as Ma Joad live the roles. This is a great film that deserves your attention. Ford and Darwell won Oscars. It is readily available.
I haven't decided on my next trio, and I wonder if readers might prefer single film suggestions. Also, I am open to suggestions for recommendations.
Roger Ebert, in "The Great Movies," makes the point that this film is unwatched greatness. The same might be said about Steinbeck's novel upon which it is based. I read it in high school, probably few current 'Yarders can say the same today. The Depression has passed into a time beyond living memory, but still short of history. Psychically World War II is so much closer to our consciousness. I remember hearing that the US didn'treally get out of the Depression until WWII.
Steinbeck's novel was banned from some California libraries until 1990. Yet, it was purchased by Zannuck for the huge price of $50,000. Steinbeck agreed to the sale, but only if Ford would direct. Ford was a conservative.
This was going to be a controversial movie. Fonda fought hard for the principal role of Tom Joad. Zanuck had the background of the book investigated. Were the conditions really as bad as the book showed? Zanuck was satisfied, and the film utilizes 'Okies traveling westward as background extras in the film.
There were some parts of the book which couldn't be filmed most famously Rosannsharon offering her milked filled breasts to a starving man. There is a bit of doggeral which Tom Joad recites, if you read the book you remember it, that probably wouldn't make it in if it were re-made today. The film follows the book pretty closely, but provides a more upbeat ending.
Tom Joad, recently paroled from prison, comes home to his family. They have been pushed of their land in the dustbowl, and the family, 3 generations of Joads, is moving to California chasing the jobs promised in handbills. Tom met the former preacher who has lost his faith and brings him along. The journey is difficult, two Joads die and the husband of another left. There is huge resentment to this 'Oakie migration among the local population in rural California. They were burned out, physically attacked by locals in concert with the police, and discriminated against brutally.
Ford films realistically, but by focusing on one family avoids falling into the message movie category. The acting is truly great. The photography by Greg Tolland, one of the all time greats, is remarkable, there are no wasted shots, and the lighting and setups are flawless. Fonda, Carradine, and Jane Darwell as Ma Joad live the roles. This is a great film that deserves your attention. Ford and Darwell won Oscars. It is readily available.
I haven't decided on my next trio, and I wonder if readers might prefer single film suggestions. Also, I am open to suggestions for recommendations.
While it is possible to purchase this film singly, I suggest buying one of the several sets which include "The Grapes of Wrath." I mentioned The Henry Fonda Collection before; this includes: "Drums Along the Mohawk," "The Ox Bow Incident," "My Darling Clementine," and "The Longest Day." There are 5 other films including "Jesse James" and "The Return of Frank James" which are worth seeing and hard to find. This set runs $30+.
Another option is the huge Ford at Fox box; this runs 70$ on Amazon. This includes 24 Ford films: silents, the Will Rogers films, and many others. It has a good book, and some other nice printed material. The big add on is the documentary"Becoming John Ford." In this documentary are two of his wartime films for the US Army.
Another option is the huge Ford at Fox box; this runs 70$ on Amazon. This includes 24 Ford films: silents, the Will Rogers films, and many others. It has a good book, and some other nice printed material. The big add on is the documentary"Becoming John Ford." In this documentary are two of his wartime films for the US Army.
storrsroars
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That's a helluva sign-off. Thanks for the content and hope all turns out well for you.
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Too bad, I'll miss this thread.
8893
Curiouser
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That seems a rather extreme measure, but thanks for the posts.
Waquoit
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I mentioned before that Red River and The Searchers were two of John Wayne's best performances, I watched The Quiet Man again last night on TCM. Yup, I'd have to throw in this one as well to make it a trio for Wayne.
CL82
James Breeding sucks
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No, no you just clicked on the Cesspool by mistake.
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"The Life of Emil Zola"-1937-William Dieterle
This film won the Oscar for best film. I didn't remember that. This is an old style biography featuring arguably
the best film actor of the '30's, Paul Muni. The first about 40% deals with Zola's early professional life as a struggling novelist/journalist. (There are some historical lapses here and at the very end of the movie, but before the action starts, there is a disclaimer which acknowledges that changes have been made.) Zola became the leading man of letters in France in the late 19th century. Then comes his involvement in "The Dreyfus Affair," which tore apart French society.
Dreyfus was a captain of artillery and a member of the French General Staff. (The fact that he was a Jew is glossed over in the film, but is was a major part of the furor.) He was accused of being a spy/traitor based on
a letter discovered discussing secret military information given to the German Military Attache. He was tried by a secret military tribunal and sent to Devil's Island for life. Dreyfus's wife approaches Zola for help.
By this time substantial information had emerged which very strongly indicated that another individual, Count
Esterhazy, was the real culprit. Zola writes an open letter to the President of France titled "J'accuse" where he indicts the French General Staff for a false conviction and a later cover-up.
Why you might find this film interesting even compelling is its relevance to our contemporary politics and judicial matters. Additionally, you get to see Muni in one of his signature roles. For those interested he was the original "Scarface" which is considerably easier to find than "... Zola." Highly recommended; it has aged surprisingly well, and the performances are almost universally excellent.
This film won the Oscar for best film. I didn't remember that. This is an old style biography featuring arguably
the best film actor of the '30's, Paul Muni. The first about 40% deals with Zola's early professional life as a struggling novelist/journalist. (There are some historical lapses here and at the very end of the movie, but before the action starts, there is a disclaimer which acknowledges that changes have been made.) Zola became the leading man of letters in France in the late 19th century. Then comes his involvement in "The Dreyfus Affair," which tore apart French society.
Dreyfus was a captain of artillery and a member of the French General Staff. (The fact that he was a Jew is glossed over in the film, but is was a major part of the furor.) He was accused of being a spy/traitor based on
a letter discovered discussing secret military information given to the German Military Attache. He was tried by a secret military tribunal and sent to Devil's Island for life. Dreyfus's wife approaches Zola for help.
By this time substantial information had emerged which very strongly indicated that another individual, Count
Esterhazy, was the real culprit. Zola writes an open letter to the President of France titled "J'accuse" where he indicts the French General Staff for a false conviction and a later cover-up.
Why you might find this film interesting even compelling is its relevance to our contemporary politics and judicial matters. Additionally, you get to see Muni in one of his signature roles. For those interested he was the original "Scarface" which is considerably easier to find than "... Zola." Highly recommended; it has aged surprisingly well, and the performances are almost universally excellent.
I haven't seen "...Zola" but I have seen a few other Paul Muni films, including "Scarface" and "I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang", both of which are also quite good. All of these movies get shown from time to time on Turner Classic Movies.
"Groundhog Day"-Harold Ramis-1993
This film has definitely entered into popular culture. What can I say which isn't superfluous? Only Bill Murray could have played this role with the obnoxious nastiness the role required. The real turning point in the movie is when he attempts to help the homeless man. Up to that point all of Phil's actions have been about himself.
Phil asserts that no one would die on February 2nd; he fails in that one case. However, he finds and keeps appointments rescuing citizens of Punksatawney from choking, falling from a tree, breaking up at the alter, and dealing with a flat tire. We know that he is no angel, he gripes that the boy he catches falling from a tree never thanks him. Still this Phil has become a better person. Yes, he has acquired some amazing skills:snow and ice sculpture, professional level piano playing, and superior skill tossing cards into a hat. He has even cured a man's back problems, and his coverage of the groundhog's emergence has become so expert that all the assembled media use his coverage of this event. The auction at the Groundhog Day Ball shows that other people see him differently, Rita, his producer, has to pay top dollar for him at the bachelor auction.
It is interesting that many different religious groups found the film relevant and uplifting. His relationship with
Rita is central to his transformation. Jack Nicholson remarks in another film: "You make me want to be a better man." Rita, Andie McDowell, does that for Phil. Roger Ebert remarks in his review in volume 3 of "The Great Films" that Phil has not become an angel but that he can now see the angel.
The gags are still funny, and like the instances where they change like stepping off the curb into the puddle, they still have an element of surprise. The final instance when he wakes fully clothed in bed with Rita and hears "I've Got You Babe" on the radio, has it really become February 3rd? He goes to the window and sees no crowds heading to Gobbler's Notch, yes, he now has a life with a future.
This film is one of my all-time favorites; I included it in my list for the 'Yard tournament. Hopefully, this intro will convince you to return to the thrilling days of yesteryear, Groundhog Day in Punksatawney, Pa. One final note; it was filmed outside of Chicago.
This film has definitely entered into popular culture. What can I say which isn't superfluous? Only Bill Murray could have played this role with the obnoxious nastiness the role required. The real turning point in the movie is when he attempts to help the homeless man. Up to that point all of Phil's actions have been about himself.
Phil asserts that no one would die on February 2nd; he fails in that one case. However, he finds and keeps appointments rescuing citizens of Punksatawney from choking, falling from a tree, breaking up at the alter, and dealing with a flat tire. We know that he is no angel, he gripes that the boy he catches falling from a tree never thanks him. Still this Phil has become a better person. Yes, he has acquired some amazing skills:snow and ice sculpture, professional level piano playing, and superior skill tossing cards into a hat. He has even cured a man's back problems, and his coverage of the groundhog's emergence has become so expert that all the assembled media use his coverage of this event. The auction at the Groundhog Day Ball shows that other people see him differently, Rita, his producer, has to pay top dollar for him at the bachelor auction.
It is interesting that many different religious groups found the film relevant and uplifting. His relationship with
Rita is central to his transformation. Jack Nicholson remarks in another film: "You make me want to be a better man." Rita, Andie McDowell, does that for Phil. Roger Ebert remarks in his review in volume 3 of "The Great Films" that Phil has not become an angel but that he can now see the angel.
The gags are still funny, and like the instances where they change like stepping off the curb into the puddle, they still have an element of surprise. The final instance when he wakes fully clothed in bed with Rita and hears "I've Got You Babe" on the radio, has it really become February 3rd? He goes to the window and sees no crowds heading to Gobbler's Notch, yes, he now has a life with a future.
This film is one of my all-time favorites; I included it in my list for the 'Yard tournament. Hopefully, this intro will convince you to return to the thrilling days of yesteryear, Groundhog Day in Punksatawney, Pa. One final note; it was filmed outside of Chicago.
A wonderful movie. Also, Chris Elliot has an excellent supporting role as the cameraman.
nwhoopfan
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Kind of amazing how many the "Groundhog Day" of ___ genre of movie this has inspired. A few off the top of my head--"Edge of Tomorrow" (sci fi), "Before I Fall" (teen drama), and "Happy Death Day" (horror comedy). One of those was adapted from a book and I think another from a manga, but the creators must have been aware of Groundhog Day. Not only do each of those include being stuck in a loop and repeating the same day over and over, but in each the central character eventually undergoes introspection and endeavors to become a better person and get the day right finally.
Do you happen to know, was it a completely original concept, or did they borrow it from something else?
The original script was something new as far as films are concerned. It started in the middle, Ramis added the prequel. I think the film works better that way; it is crucial to seeing just how obnoxious Phil was. The second interesting choice is that no explanation is offered for the forever February 2nd, but while we are led to believe that forever ends because of Phil's changes, but this is never explicit.
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