1. By: Lauren Hixon
CMS 298
Chapter 8: Simulational
Selves; Simulational Culture
in GroundHog Day

2. Introduction
Chapter 8 is a rhetorical analysis of the
1993 film Groundhog Day. This film is about
Phil Connors, a very selfish and narcissistic
TV weatherman
Phil finds himself in a time loop in which he
relives the same day (Groundhog day) over
and over again.
The chapter uses both culture-centered and
feminist techniques in examining the film
The film critiques the simulational and its
implications in regards to real life.

3. What does Simulational
mean?
Meaning: “Industrialized cultures with capitalist economics that have a
heavy dependence on electronic media for entertainment-cultures such as
those in the United States, Western Europe, and Japan-Share a significant
characteristic.. and that is that they are increasingly simulational.
Simulation: is an experience that is self-contained referring mainly to
itself”(p.247). A classic example of simulation is a video game. When we play
a video game, we temporarily detach ourselves from reality and become
immersed in the world of the game.
A good example from the book is: you may control the movements of a sword
in a similar way you would a real sword, but you do not associate the “game”
sword with any particular sword in reality.

4. Groundhog Day
Rhetorically critiques the
simulational nature of culture
today.
The film suggests: Simulational
cultures are built upon, an
builds the simulational self. If
we can not break out of a self
referential loop, we are fated to
be caught up in the same day to
day narcissistic experiences.

5. 2 Rhetorical Critiques
1. Culture Centered- what our simulational culture says
about the way we live in the world.
2. Feminist- How the film suggests female empowerment
as an antidote to an obsession with simulation.

6. Into the Simulation
The film begins with a shot of streaming clouds. Clouds
are one of the earliest forms of simulation.(p.248) They
morph into various shapes and some take on shapes taht
to us resemble other things such as an animal.
The film is a metaphor for a life of social disconnection
and self-absorption

7. Plot
A man (Phil) finds himself as the only
person in the world who is living the
same day over and over again. After
living what seems to be a decade of
groundhog days in despair, he inevitably
begins learning how to be a decent
person and have genuine relationships
with those around him.
The film focuses its attention on the type
of person who is stuck in a habitual loop
of self absorption and simulation. The
main character undergoes a
transformation after what seems like an
unsettling amount of time.

8. Turning point/Recklessness
Once Phil realizes that there will be no tomorrow, he understands that there are
no consequences for his actions/behavior.
He begins to eat poorly, steal money to buy a car, seduces women for self
gratification, drives reckless, and more!
His cruel, ironic and coarse demeanor keeps him from connecting with others
and developing sincere relationships
Life soon appears to have no meaning anymore and Phil can’t stand it, he tries
to kill himself numerous times. But every morning he wakes up to the radio
news just as it turns 6:00 am regardless of what happened the night before.

9. Turning Point-Compassion
Phil finally learns what true
compassion is after all his
attempts at seducing Rita
failed. He learned to respect
her and didn’t try to have sex
with her. The next morning
he awakes with purpose and
starts living selflessly.
He starts helping people out
around town, saving lives,
learning languages, arts and
musical instruments and
begins to treat people
genuinely.

10. The Women in the film
Phil is dependent on women for wisdom
and understanding, however he will never
obtain those things as long as he exploits
women
Rita: female empowered role who teaches
Phil of equality
The film positions authentic relationships
with women as an antidote to a
simulational obsession.

11. The Purpose
Phil’s like mirrors many of us.
Peoples lives are too focused on themselves.
We are obsessed with technology and entertainment.
Some people are unable to make human connection.
Advises recovery from simulation attachment.
Bad relationships between men and women are most of the time based on
inequality.

12. References:
Brummet, Barry. Rhetoric in Popular Culture. Third Ed. Thousand Oaks,
Calif.:Sage Publications, 2011. Print.
Groundhog Day. Dir. Harold Ramis. Perf. Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell.
Columbia Pitcures,1993.DVD.
Groundhog Day. Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundhog_Day_(film)
Google Images
Google Images