Drag Me To Hejl!

Yes, 8-40 years is a big difference, but the time loop is a catalyst to the overall point and message of the movie. That being said, if you’re picking at the logistics of the time, shouldn’t the question of “Why is this happening and how?” be a bigger concern?

If it were a straight up Sci-Fi film, maybe I’d agree with you. But this is Harold Ramis who also wrote/co-wrote movies like Caddyshack, Stripes and Ghostbusters. He’s a comedy writer who, along with another comedy writer, took an idea of being stuck in a time loop to have its main character learn a lesson of making himself better and concerning himself with others rather than himself. 

I realize I’m arguing about Groundhog Day and GOD FORBID a friend have a differing opinion on the Internet! That may make me a bit of a jerk. But, I’m not picking on, I’m just saying such a specific detail shouldn’t spoil the fantastic 1993 comedy starring Bill Murray that was enjoyed in the first place.

sherrypop:

Sorry Frank, I disagree. In my opinion, the director is like the captain of a ship; he or she should know exactly what is happening and what direction the ship is heading and how long it will take to get there. If memory serves, Harold Ramis both wrote and directed this one, so I would hope he knew how long his main character would have to suffer the pains of having to relive the same day over and over again. Think about it; there’s a huuuge difference between 8 years and 40.

I had the same concerns with Lost before they announced when the series would finally end. If the creator of something isn’t in control of the details, who is?

I love Groundhog Day, but this affects my ability to raise my curtain of disbelief and just go with the premise.

frankhejl:

I don’t care how many “inconsistencies” exist for this movie. It isn’t evident and doesn’t even stick out while watching the movie. The specific number of years is not the point.  It’s just a GREAT MOVIE.

That reminds me of when I saw Cloverfield with an ex-girlfriend and complained about how it was impossible to walk from Spring St to 59th street in the subway tunnels in such a short amount of time. She turned to me and said “Frank, this was a movie about a giant Monster attacking NY and you have a problem with the walking distance not being logical?”

Groundhog Day, I love you!

sherrypop:

Inconsistencies like this ruin movies for me.

propagandery:

How long is Bill Murray trapped in Groundhog Day?

• 8 years + 8 months + 16 days, according to wolfgnards (who proves it with charts)
  
• 10 years, according to Harold Ramis on the DVD commentary
• 27 years (or 10,000 days), according to the original screenplay
• 30-40 years, according to Harold Ramis in a recent interview

[neatorama / heeb / wolfgnards]