Although this is filmed rather cleverly, you may notice one of the stars is missing. Bill Murray and Harold Ramis had a huge fight and falling out near the end of making Groundhog Day. The last scenes were filmed by having a go between issue instructions to Murray and another go between take Murray's comments back to Ramis. Even though there was still a lot of animosity between the two men when this was made, it's not hard to see Ramis still had a soft spot in his heart for Murray. He knew that Murray's 15 year marriage was falling apart when the movie was being made, and Murray had started drinking heavily. Murray was always subject to mood swings, and those got worse over the course of the filming. Ramis was always willing to bury the hatchet with Murray but not the other way round. Ramis fell victim to one of the rarest disease you can get. He contracted an otherwise mild infection in 2010 and, for reasons medicine doesn't understand, his body reacted by having its immune system attack his own organs instead of the infection. It was severe enough that he lost the ability to walk. Doctors thought they had arrested the autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis that was the cause by 2011, and Ramis went through physical therapy to learn to walk again. He seemed to be fully recovered by the beginning of 2012. Unfortunately, the disease was only dormant and came back in 2013. It apparently was much more aggressive this time, and Ramis ended the fall of 2013 bedridden. It was likely this attack was going to be fatal, and Murray's brother, Brian Doyle Murray, visited him just before Christmas. He knew of their long falling out and urged his brother to end it before it was too late. Murray came the the Ramis house with a dozen donuts and an escort of Chicago police right after New Year's. Ramis had become friendly with the CPD after filming several movies in town and became kind of a cop buff, reportedly having a police scanner in his bedroom. At that point, Ramis was barely able to talk, but Ramis's daughter, Violet, said Murray did all the talking, reminiscing for several hours with Ramis. The terrible disease finally destroyed too many organs, and Ramis passed away peacefully at home on February 24, 2014. Realizing it was going to be five years since his all too early death, I was looking for this video again. It was one of the best at showing his gentle, kind personality. RIP, Harold, you were a great guy.
I met Harold twenty years ago when he had become a friend of my family in Cook County, Illinois. We had a reception at the country club that Bushwood [Caddyshack] was based on and I had to assure him that his Jewish heritage wasn't a problem. He remained a friend throughout the remainder of his life and my dying mother received calls and gifts from Harold though he was very sick himself. What a beautiful man he was.
@@kimmokusipaa5718 the film was so good it caused a religious debate about what the message was. He goes from panic and fear to outright hedonism and then finally realizes what matters in life study devotion music kindness and love. So he lives the perfect day of humanity and escapes the time warp
laugh ass off on the first viewing and then on subsequent viewings begin to see how incredibly deep this film is - non ironically a timeless film for the ages
Absolutely. I have OCD/ADHD and became obsessed with this film in the few years after release. I was watching it 3/4 times a day for about a year and a half before I started to dislike any small part of it. I was obviously in a really bad place at that time, but I credit this film for helping me to understand and work through some of my own problems.
I loved the part at the end where Ramis recounts how followers of many spiritual traditions all resonated to the message of Groundhog Day. It’s one of the most ecumenical spiritual films ever made, and never tells you about spirituality. Instead it shows the viewer how it looks to be growing more spiritual. Harold Ramis seems like a lovely man, I would love to have known him.
it's a kind of thought experiment move where (while being very entertaining) we the audience can ponder what it might be like to try all possible avenues of living a life - to the point of the shear exhaustion of our self-centered ego
Bill Murray had done another movie like that, _The Razor's Edge,_ where he goes off to some Buddhist retreat in the mountains looking for the meaning of life (after being an ambulance driver in the first World War), and they put him outside with his books, and he has to burn them all to stay warm. Then he goes back to Paris, deals with his ex-girlfriend, and finally leaves for America.
Too painfully literal, yes. That's why all of the religions have effectively failed until Renaissance came along. And art still succeeds. To the point where The Beatles have become more popular than you-know-who.
@@AlexanderStemkowski I find Emmanuel Swedenborg's take remedies a lot of the issues with the various religious orthodoxy - in his case, especially Christianity Off The Left Eye youtube channel is devoted to covering Emmanuel Swedenborg's life's work of writings
I always cry when I see Groundhog Day....I used to be embarrassed about that but not anymore. It's one of the all time great movies that is never in anyone's top 10...sort of a stealthy great movie.
Well it's in my top 10, right at the top! Love this film. Always liked Murray, and although I didn't appreciate MacDowell when this was first released, I've since grown to recognise her personality and performance.
I never get tired of watching reruns of Groundhog Day. It must be from watching Murray’s character’s dark side wither away and him going into the light. Great movie.
In my sophomore year at college we had a VCR that would automatically rewind the tape at the end and start playing again. This movie was left in the machine for weeks or perhaps more than a month and played over and over again automatically - 24 hours a day. Given the nature of the movie, you can understand how epic that was. My roommates had a great sense of humor.
I have the exact same story, except we were all freshmen in college. I think we watched this movie almost every day that entire school year. So much so, I still remember almost all the words. Same goes for The Breakfast Club while we were in middle school. Those were great times.
Saw your comment before the video ended, alas, it felt like a dagger even though I remembered and was warned beforehand. Harold Ramis a legend, a loss for humanity.
Groundhog Day is in my top 10 list of favorite movies of all time. I have watched it something in the region of twenty times. I watch it when I'm feeling sad, I can enjoy it when I'm elated. It gives me perspective when I feel jaded - and hope when there are problems. It's a movie that we should all see multiple times. It's a shining masterpiece. When you see some of the politically biased, sanctimonious films that have come out in the last 30 years. Movies that only serve to make us angry and divided - and promote an agenda - I can always watch Groundhog Day and feel better about myself and my fellow citizens.
Movies like Blues Brothers, Trading Places, Beverly Hills Cop, all those 80's movies have that same ability. They were meant to simply be enjoyed! Before the 'lessons' began.
You know, when Harold passed away, we all got robbed of laughter and humor, and a person whom we all would be friends with, he was without a doubt, a seriously genius, well spoken gentleman, who had much more to give us
I met Harold Ramis and Bob Zemekis in the same breath, working at a hotel front desk. Both men were just amazing. You could feel the aura of their creativity, it was profound and joyous.
The first time I watched it I was profoundly moved because I realized that it is a metaphor for how to be a better person. Forget about how many times he was in the loop. This is a message to us all on how to become better people, in my humble opinion. Simple as that.
Agreed. We are but one in a sea of billions. To live life just for ourselves seems pretty... egotistical. We can do so much more together than apart. Helping others enhances the human condition.
Stephen Tobolowsky's reaction to the roles in GHD years later add a layer of sincerity that I just can't be denied. He really, truly loved the role of Ned Ryerson.
It’s such a pity Bill Murray and Ramis had the falling out during the filming, the timing of the film being made was unfortunate as Murray apparently had problems with his marriage so his mood couldn’t have been good and then Ramis and Murray had differences of opinions about the theme of it, Ramis just wanted it to be a straight forward comedy while Murray wanted it to be more contemplative and they had some rows but ironically the film had both qualities in it and it was arguably their best work together. This was Murray s sixth film with Ramis and after they hadn’t got on in a Director-actor partnership, Murray decided not to work with him again, choosing to work with other directors and they barely spoke for twenty years until Ramis became very ill and Murray s brother persuaded him to visit Ramis which he did shortly before his Ramis died in 2014
Yeah, their falling out was the reason why there never was a Ghostbusters 3, Ramis wanted to be involved in the project and Murray didn't want to speak to him or be in the movie all together, I'm glad they made up just before Ramis died, may he RIP.
I love all the obvious great films but I honestly believe Groundhog Day is the greatest. Works on so many levels. The more you see it the greater it gets. Thank you Mr Ramis, what a lovely guy you were. Think I'll watch it again in the morning ...
Such a clever, funny movie. We really miss Harold Ramis sooooo much. His humor, style and storytelling sense was so brilliant, right from his SCTV years to movies like this. Like fine wine, Groundhog Day just continues to age so well.
Stephen Tobolowsky's "Needle-Nose Ned" character actually stole scenes from Bill Murray. Can you think of another actor who ever stole a scene from Bill Murray?..... I'll wait.
I like a challenge. So Ive just been through Bill Murrays IMDb page to try and find another film where someone appears with him and steals scenes. Of his 95 acting credits, I've seen 40 Bill Murray movies. And as far I can tell the answer is no. You could argue about some Jeff Goldblum scenes in life aquatic or some Dan Akroyd scenes in ghost busters, but no. Bill is always the most interesting character on screen. Except when needle nose Ned bursts through the screen like an annoying cartoon character. What a performance.
@@NeilLewis77 Ok, I don't know how many of his 95 films I've seen, but it's easier to tell if someone stole the scene from him when the scene was his to be stolen from. For example, his role in The Grand Budapest Hotel or Ghostbusters(2016) where he had some scenes but they weren't his, so could that scene been stolen from him? On the other hand there were some movies that I remember but I can't remember Bill Murray being in them at all, for example City of Ember (yeah I know it's a crappy movie). *If you haven't seen Ghsotbusters 1984 - Spoilers ahead* STOP THE PRESSES!! I just remember a time Harold Ramis stole a scene from him, Ghostbusters, the elevator scene, when Egon (Ramis) turns on Stantz's (Aykroyd) backpack and both Venkman (Murray) and Egon try to find shelter in a space roughly 2 square meters while Egons face just turns to sheer stress while Venkman just has this confused look, like he is about to burst out laughing due to Ramis acting. This wasn't what I was going to say but here we are. Take care and yes, Harold Ramis, Bill Murray and Stephen Tobolowski are/were incredible actors. Stephen Tobolowski is one of those supporting actors most people won't know his name but they surely know his face and talent, Tobolowski was the first supporting actor I took notice of and commited his name to memory, damn he's great. Edit: After an excesive study and calculation I determined that I remember 29 films with Bill Murray and a bunch of others I know I've seen but I don't remember the whole movie.
4:57 I didn't even think about the challenge of filming the same day over and over for the entire movie. Probably made it easier for the extras and side characters to get so many takes in a row, but Bill Murray had to shift his mentality so drastically each time. Pretty interesting!
Such a shame that this classic movie made it so Ramis and Murray didn't talk for years. Might be considered Murray's most iconic film and he was miserable shooting it and clashed with Ramis - much having to do with Murray going through a divorce. They could have/should have made at least one more movie together - but then again, they went out on top with this one.
One of the greatest films made during my lifetime based on a premise I’m not sure exists anywhere else in film. Of course it could, and I’m not aware of it. That said, the creative superiority of people who grew up in a time where visual media wasn’t so pervasive is evident
I think it's so iconic that everyone is afraid of using the same premise, because it will look like a copycat, and they don't know how to improve on it.
I'm a novelist. Having someone rewrite major features of my story would have horrified me. In this case though, Danny Rubin wrote an awe-inspiring tale, but it was decidedly MORE inspiring due to Harold's edits. Really amazing. I also loved the subtlety of the scenes with the old man dying, with Phil having to experience and accept mortality of someone he wanted to save, but couldn't...I thought that was incredibly well done and I wept, feeling those same feelings. A masterpiece. Thank you!
Just took me about 10 minutes to realize exactly where I remember Stephen Tobolowsky (Ned) from .... TOR FROM SEINFELD!!!!! (the holistic healer - "do you use hot water in the shower? stop using it")
@Jeff Davad Its also somewhat indicative of somebody as a person to have a 'falling out' that lasts that long with somebody who virtually everybody worked with spoke of in the same terms Andie Macdowell did-and who pretty much starred him in EVERY movie he was known for until he was an old man. The only reason he got his 'Razors Edge' movie made was because Dan Ackroyd said the studio couldn't have ghostbusters unless they let him make that godawful movie (at least according to him). Either way, its always ironic to hear Harold Ramis talk glowingly about Bill Murrays acting, who is basically only funny as an asshole, while Ramis is EVERY bit as funny as a much different character. But maybe Bill was just irked that most of his early roles were John Belushi or Chevy Chase castoffs. But thats hollywood baby!
One of my favorite films. Since watching it in the theater all those years ago, I’ve played it on DVD at least once every year. This is a true classic. I judge people based on how they feel about Groundhog Day and You’ve Got Mail.
One of my all time favorites...Harold Ramis has left a wonderful legacy on film. Thank you for sharing this presentation...his commentary is very moving as are the comments of the other excellent cast members.
I love one of the underlying messages in the film. Phil realises, like many of us fail to do, that the only meaningful change you can make in your life, is to yourself. Change yourself, your behaviour, your thoughts and the reality around you will start to reflect that.
My therapist once said, I don't want to change you, I just want you to become the best you you deserve to be. It's all your choice. No one can make you better except you.
This is on of my collection must haves. Shawshank, Young Frankenstein, Forrest Gump, Matrix and Groundhogs Day. Snowy winter day cocoa blanket. I'm good!
Harold Ramis was simply one of the smartest people ever in this business. A sense of humor that was somehow clever but understandable, sometimes biting and wicked yet still gentle. Very smart and sophisticated stuff.
Wonderfully funny, philosophically profound, and at times a really cathartic tearjerker. One of the greatest movies of all time. 'What a day this has been....'. Entertaining from start to finish. R.
I think they actually should have started it with: "Hey! Phil?" "Ned?!" *PUNCH* Then fade to black, film then begins like normal with "24 hours earlier" That would still have been funny and made sense lol
Unpopular opinion here but I'm not convinced that Harold was entirely at fault in regards to the rift that occurred on set between him and Bill. He seems like a really sweet gentleman. It was noted that Bill was going through personal issues and that he didn't like the direction in which the film went. Usually when people go through tough times, they tend to take umbrage and lash out at others instead of dealing with their own issues and getting on with life. The thing of Harold grabbing Bill by the collar and pushing him up against a wall is something a person would do in response to a provocation like a snide comment, etc. It's certainly not the way a director should behave on set in front of his crew but again, nothing exists in a vacuum. Harold probably took all he could from Bill and just exploded. If you watch other behind the scenes footage from Groundhog Day, Bill makes a lot of sarcastic, thoughtless and nasty remarks directed at Harold. It's a shame it happened, a lot of other potential films could've been made by those two which we'll never see.
Yeah I agree. I understand Bill was giving him a hard time during the film but if I already knew that he was going through a divorce like Harold did and we were going to make another film, I would wait until Bill got better to the point that he was mentally sound, and then spend some time with him as a friend while he was going through those issues. If we have disagreements on the direction of the film let’s make two cuts. One more in Bill’s favor and the other more in Harold’s favor. If I was Harold I would have tried to work things out a little better. I wouldn’t let my anger boil up inside taking Bill at his worst until I snap and do something unprofessional and damning to a long lasting friendship.
True, and he essentially owes his career success to Harold Ramis who gave him the roles to become what he is, basically an equal of Jack Nicholson or Billy Crystal.
As time goes on, Murray's being revealed by people that have worked with him as an arrogant & moody bully rather than the irreverent, quirky 'every man' character he so often portrays. Ramis is exquisitely diplomatic here, but you can see there is a lot he's not saying about Bill.
Because of the rewatchability level is with this film, it causes a strange thing to happen. On groundhogs day, every year, some channel puts this movie on for the full 24 hours. I like to nap on and off all day waking up to different parts of this movie and IT NEVER MATTERS:)
Gotta say, Bill Murray off camera wasn’t a million miles from Phil Conners. The differences being tone of voice and delivery. Phil is egocentric and sarcastic, not to mention vain. Bill Murray is able to take jibes at people, but delivered in such a warm, humorous way that they are immediately understood as jokes and not as insults. RIP Harold Ramis.
When the movie title becomes part of the collective consciousness, you know it’s pretty special. When someone talks about an experience at work being like Groundhog Day, you know exactly what they mean.
I totally get that, but as trite as it sounds, "It's not the days in your life; it's the life in your days." Even Phil, with all the time he had, after be fulfilled his fantasies of crime, riches and women with no consequences, was stuck with no meaning to his life, using Day after Day just throwing cards into a bucket. It was only after Rita told him what he does with Eternity is entirely up to him, did he start using it to become a better person. You don't need to strive for 'perfect' during an Eternity. Just try for 'better,' whatever that means to you, in the days you do have. Peace.
@@ElectroDFW , Now that I'm closer to the end than I am to the middle, I'm slowing down and trying to enjoy it more. In the end, the destination is the same for us all, that's why I love jumping on my Indian Springfield and just ride. In the grand scheme, it's all just a fart in the whirlwind.
I never picked up on Bill shifting positions in the snow trying to get that exact same spot. If I did notice I just assumed it was Bill doing goofy physical comedy, but it's really more than that.
The creative superiority of people who grew up before visual media pervaded every waking moment of life is astonishing. We can’t even get professional writers to write believable human dialogue anymore.
Got to hand it to Harold Ramis for "grounding" me in humour early in life as a kid, starting with SCTV, and then movies like this and Ghost Busters etc.. What a great writer, filmmaker and all around smart fella - would've loved to have a drink with him. RIP Harlod.
RIP Harold Ramis. What a great analysis and back story to one of the greater movies that we have seen in 30 years. I think GroundHog Day will be viewed in 2100 and 2200. It is a testament to the human spirit.
I'm not sure what you mean, but every film wanting to be registered with the Copyright Office in US must send in a copy of the work, and those that are kept, are kept in the Library of Congress. Same for books.
@@alanras370 Not sure. I just heard Bill Murray say during an interview that it was in the library of congress and he made it sound like a big deal. Don't listen to me I'm Canadian
I loved Harold's character in Stripes (Russell Ziskey) before he enlisted in the Army, when he was in the classroom teaching immigrants how to speak Basic English... Russell: I met her on a Monday and my heart stood still. Class: Da-do-run-run-run, da-do-run-run. Russell: Somebody told me that her name was Jill. Class: Da-do-run-run-run, da-do-run-run. He was the best and I miss him terribly =')
"I got the shit kicked out of me in Wisconsin'. Aww, Harold sure was a cool and candid person. All the old National Lampoon people were back than. Is Andie MacDowell and Bill murray just perfect. Bill's got such a witty, congenial, sarcasm too, just a great actor through and through. This is a 5 star movie everyone should have in their collection.
