Favorite Scene Friday! Groundhog Day: Déjà vu

Having finally featured Rick and Morty for Escape-athon last week, it seems we're going with a "I can't believe this hasn't been featured for FSF before!" trend. It's particularly surprising since we at one point did a series on scenes featuring Bill Murray, star of today's featured film. We actually have a good reason for not featuring Groundhog Day before, however...the last time the holiday fell on a Friday was all the way back in 2007, long before we started this blog.

Matt Ryan

Groundhog Day, the film about Phil Connors (Murray) reliving the titular holiday over and over in
Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, is many things rolled up into a nice, neat package. It's an amazing Bill Murray showcase. It's a classic romantic high concept comedy. It popularized the time loop subgenre of science fiction that's been utilized in film and even in TV, as recently as Star Trek: Discovery. The film has really aged into a modern classic, going as far as spawning a Broadway play that Bill Murray famously saw two days in a row (it sadly didn't last).

Our scene this week is the first time Phil relives Groundhog Day. Murray's immediately and effortlessly a smug asshole, but Phil starts to get the sense of something wrong. He quickly goes to the window and sees the day unfolding just as it had the day before. I love that little bit of unsettling music that plays along with that.

Groundhog Day is pretty much wall-to-wall great actors/characters. "Porkchop" - played by Ken Hudson Campbell - is one such character. Billed as "Man in Hallway" his little scream when Phil pushes him up against the wall is perfect. His terrified expression when Phil finally walks away is great as well. This whole bit's great because Phil and the viewer really start to get a sense of the strangeness happening.

Even better than Porkchop, however, is Mrs. Lancaster, played by Angela Paton (sad to learn she just passed away in 2016). Her effortlessly charming "No, but I can check with the kitchen," is one of the best things in this scene.

With all that said, enjoy the scene. Looks like the next Friday Groundhog Day isn't until 2024.

What's your favorite scene from Groundhog Day?

What day would you love to relive over and over? 

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Bonus!

Here's a little recommendation...I recently watched Happy Death Day - a horror version of Groundhog Day, essentially - and it was amazing. The horror genre works so well with the time loop premise so I wonder why it's not used more often. Check out the trailer below.

Favorite Scene Friday - Oscars Edition! Lost In Translation: Charlotte & Bob

We're looking at Oscar nominated and/or winning films for Favorite Scene Friday all month long! This should make for a nice contrast to last month's fantasy & sci-fi scenes. Enjoy!

Getting older. We all do it. I turned 30 recently, in fact. The big 3-0. The Dirty Thirty. Maybe that's why I decided to post today's scene.

Matt Taylor

To be honest, I was watching Sofia Coppola's Lost In Translation a few months ago, and I decided to feature this week's scene back then. But it's definitely speaking to me now. Charlotte, (Scarlett Johanson) a young American visiting Tokyo with her entertainment industry husband, has met Bob Harris (Bill Murray), an aging celebrity in town to film a whiskey commercial. Charlotte and Bob, both lonely in a strange land, formed an immediate bond. Our scene is simply the two of them talking about life.


Charlotte talks about not knowing what she should do with her life, about trying her hand at writing and photography but not being happy with her work, a sentiment any creative ne'er-do-well can sympathize with. She's a perfect contrast to Bob, who's been through that "easy" future that Charlotte wonders about. Some aspects of it get easier and some don't, Bob tells her. "Keep writing," he says.

I love this scene because it's a genuine conversation between two great characters played by two great actors. Bill Murray was nominated for Best Actor for his performance (he just knocks it out of the park in this role), and, while that's more than enough to qualify for this week's scene, the film was also nominated for Best Picture and Best Director and won for Best Original Screenplay. I also can't help but think that Bill Murray's Bob is talking directly to me. I WILL keep writing, Bill!

Also, I finally watched The Bling Ring and that flick's so boring and empty compared to this.

What's your favorite scene from Lost In Translation?

AND do you think Bill Murray should have won the Best Actor award for his performance?

Interview With Writer/Director Tom Schiller

Remember in Nothing Lasts Forever when Zach Galligan’s Adam Beckett meets Bill Murray’s Ted Breughel for the first time? You don’t? That’s because you probably never saw it - the film was completed in 1984 but never released. 

The movie - which is black and white and employs stock footage and other techniques to achieve a retro quality - follows Adam, a young artistic hopeful who returns to New York to finally make it big. The only problem? Adam really isn't sure what kind of artist he is. Well, that and The New York Port Authority has taken over the city. From his port authority-assigned job in the Holland Tunnel to beneath New York's streets and finally to the moon itself, (transported there on a bus operated by Bill Murray, of course) Adam struggles to finally uncover his artistic passion.

Writer/director Tom Schiller’s been screening the film in recent years and he'll be rolling through Jacksonville this weekend to show the movie at Sun-Ray Cinema. Mr. Schiller was kind enough to answer a few of our questions.

Q: First and foremost, why was the film never released?

TS: It was bad. :-)

Strangely, I've never been given a straight answer. Sometimes they say some of the stock footage can't be cleared, other times they say certain music rights couldn't be obtained. My guess is MGM thought it was an "art movie" and not commercial.

Q: John Belushi was slated to appear in the film but died weeks before production began. Did the role go to another actor or was the part omitted?

TS: The role was omitted. He was supposed to appear as one of the secret masters who initiates Adam during a purification ritual by fire in a rock hewn cavern under the city (which incidentally looked like a Russian/Jewish steam bath Belushi and I used to go to). 

Q: The movie features themes like class conflict, excessive government, and toxic consumerism. When you revisit the film, is it funny to see that some of these topics are just as prevalent now as they were back then?

TS: Yes.

Q: Main character Adam Beckett struggles throughout the film to find his artistic destiny. How much of that theme of artistic struggle was personal and how do you feel about art and filmmaking now that one of your movies has gone unreleased for 30 years?

TS: Adam's artistic struggle mirrored mine. At 15 I was bursting to be some sort of artist like a writer or filmmaker, or pianist or something, but couldn't figure it out. I used to wear black turtle neck sweaters, go into coffee shops and write in my journal. After I saw Truffaut's "[The] 400 Blows" and especially Fellini's "La Dolce Vita" at the age of 16 I was absolutely certain I wanted to be a film director. A foreign film director. But I lived in LA.

Q: Are you full speed ahead on getting a home video release for Nothing Lasts Forever or is there a part of you that wants the film to remain this unreleased, hidden gem?

TS: At first I was heartbroken when it wasn't released. I tried my best to appeal to MGM. Then I went through the five stages of grief or whatever they were, as spelled out by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross: denial, anger, fear, etc., till I got to "acceptance." Now I feel it was released just as it was meant. It shows on European late night TV and has enjoyed screenings from Germany to Cinefamily in LA and Lincoln Center in New York. And now it has given me the unexpected pleasure of coming to Jacksonville and screening it in 35 mm at the legendary Sun-Ray Cinema, the first Florida movie theater to present talking pictures in the '20s.

Nothing Lasts Forever screens at Sun-Ray Cinema with writer/director Tom Schiller this Saturday, September 27th at 7:00 p.m.

Sun-Ray Cinema

A Peek Through the Hatch: The Grand Budapest Hotel

Here's the trailer for Wes Anderson's newest film, The Grand Budapest Hotel! Damn, it seems like just yesterday we were peeking at Moonrise Kingdom. The film looks just as rich and whimsical as Anderson's previous films and features many of the director's regulars including Bill Murray and Owen Wilson. Newcomers include Ralph Fiennes, Tony Revolori, and Saoirse Ronan. It's also great to see that Anderson has brought back some folks from Moonrise including, Edward Norton.

I love how zany and madcap this film looks. The tone reminds me of The Life Aquatic, which is refreshing after the (slightly) more reserved Moonrise. The highlight of the trailer for me is probably Fiennes - he seems to fit right in with Anderson's universe. According to the Los Angeles Times, Budapest opens (probably in limited release) on March 7, 2014. 

Wikipedia

Favorite (Bill Murray) Scene Friday: Rushmore

 

Our Favorite (Bill Murray) Scene Friday month ends today, but don’t fret boys and girls, you’re bound to see more of him here in the Escape Hatch.  We just love him that much.  Last week Tiffany chose a stellar scene from one of my favorite movies ever (some of you may recall another scene from that same movie) and so I thought it would be fitting to end this awesome FSF month in the same vein.  Today’s scene comes from the movie that really put Wes Anderson on the map, Rushmore.  Murray, as always, is fabulous as Herman Blume, the depressed businessman who oddly enough holds quite an affection for young Max Fischer (the equally awesome, Jason Schwartzman).  The movie stands alone like all of Anderson’s films and is a fantastic taste of what the man must see, and feel, on a day-to-day basis.  And his soundtracks always kick-ass.  Admittedly, I like this scene in particular so much because I’m a huge Kinks fan and you can hear one of their lesser known tracks in the background.  Needless to say, it fits perfectly with the scene.

It’s blatantly obvious Blume is having a lousy time at the soiree in his backyard (you don’t just toss golf balls at children for no reason, that’s bad form) and honestly I’ve had such a week that I can easily say I know how he feels.  I’m thrilled that the week is over and grateful that I got to choose the first and last scenes on this Bill Murray themed FSF month.  I truly hoped you enjoyed all of them and I know I can speak for all of us here in the Hatch that we had a blast posting them.  Kudos! to my fellow Hatchers and Cheers! to all of you.  I’m gonna go find a pool . . .

Favorite (Bill Murray) Scene Friday! "Death Therapy, It’s A Guaranteed Cure"

Today’s Favorite Scene comes from the movie What About Bob? in which Murray plays, arguably, one of his most annoying characters ever, Bob Wiley, an incredibly needy but kind hearted man suffering from multiple phobias. Also, starring Richard Dreyfus as Dr. Leo Marvin, the 1991 comedy focuses on the dependent Bob and his clever method of working his way into Dr. Marvin’s life and even becoming part of the doctor’s family vacation.

This scene is the good doctor’s last attempt to “cure” Bob with a ground breaking technique called Death Therapy. However, like with the rest of the movie, Bob seems to find a way to mess it up. As annoying as the character is, Murray makes you like him and by the end of the movie Bob has worked his way into your heart as well. Enjoy the video and your Friday! On a side note, I don't want to rub it in, but it’s spring break bitches!

Favorite (Bill Murray) Scene Friday! Larger Than Life: The Magic Button

I can't really say that Larger Than Life – a film about Bill Murray and an elephant travelling cross country – is a bad film, because I honestly don't remember disliking it. But I was about 11 the only time I saw it, so what the hell did I know? Its Rotten Tomatoes score is also 11, so we'll just have to go ahead and say that it's not one of Murray's greatest achievements. I'll have plenty of other chances to post scenes from stellar Murray movies when it's not his month here on the blog, though.

Wikipedia

As I mentioned, I don't remember much about the film, but I do recall today's scene, and it made enough of an impression on me to stick in my mind all these years later.

In this scene, we meet up with Bill's character – motivational speaker Jack Corcoran – after he's inherited an elephant from his deceased father and decided to transport it across the U.S. Jack's rented a truck to transport the pachyderm, but he doesn't know how to drive it. Most of Murray's performance in this clip leaves a little something to be desired, but when he hits the magic button trying to adjust his seat – comedy gold. I'd like to have Bill's frightened screams as a ringtone.

 

Nice Rental Truck
Larger Than Life — MOVIECLIPS.com

Murray's deadpan expression at the end of the clip is great too. What are those, almond M&Ms? Delicious.

Favorite (Bill Murray) Scene Friday! Where The Buffalo Roam

Last month we ran a poll to determine what Favorite Scene Fridays we should do and Bill Murray Scenes won (HooRay!).  So I decided to kick March off with a bang with a scene from my second favorite Bill Murray movie.  More than just a scene, what you’re about view is approximately 10 minutes of a rarely scene Bill Murray.  The movie Where The Buffalo Roam is Bill Murray’s take on the late, great Hunter S. Thompson.  While not doing as good a job as Johnny Depp did in 1998 with Terry Gilliam’s Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas, Bill still does a hilariously kick-ass job and makes me smile to know that he was friends with one of the truest American Pioneers to have ever lived. 

I never knew this movie existed until I did an Amazon search of everything Hunter S. Thompson and, naturally, when I saw this DVD it was a no-brainer, it arrived a couple weeks later and I was anything but let down.  The setting is  in Miami, FL, home of Super Bowl VI, Dallas vs. Miami, with Dr. Thompson on assignment to cover the big game.  What ensues is not what some might call “journalism,” but then again, those someones don’t know jack shit from pure gonzo in its finest.  If I were to say anything else, it would be too much.  I hope you enjoy the scene and I hope you keep checking back for more Bill Murray favorites.  Enjoy!

Batch o’ Hatch: Natural Selection Trailer, Dr. Sleep, and Favorite Scene Friday News!

Natural Selection Trailer 

IMDb posted a trailer for Natural Selection and for some reason I really like it. Truthfully I thought it was a horror film at first, given the tone of the beginning of the preview, but it ends up being a great looking little dramedy. Who knew Rachael Harris – the bitchy girlfriend from The Hangover – would be getting high praise for a starring role in an indie film? 

Dr. Sleep

This is more literature news than film, but IMDb via Icons of Fright shared a recent clip of Stephen King at the Savannah Book Festival reading from Dr. Sleep, the sequel to his novel The Shining. The video isn’t great as it was recorded by someone pretty far from the stage where King was reading but it's cool all the same to know that this sequel exists. According to Wikipedia, Mr. King finished the first draft of the book this past November. Maybe I'll review the film someday?

Favorite Scene Friday!

If you need a little more Bill Murray in your life, you're in luck. Our FSF poll closed this morning with scenes featuring the actor as the winner, so every Friday in March we'll be bringing you a piece of Mr. Murray. Thanks to all who voted!

Derek Eads

A Peek Through the Hatch: Moonrise Kingdom

I doubt I'll get around to posting my list of what I'm looking forward to in 2012, but Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom would undoubtedly be on it. JoBlo has posted a trailer for the film courtesy of Apple and it puts a big smile on my face. Bruce Willis and Edward Norton - both of whom have never been in an Anderson pic before (right...?) - seem right at home in the director's new film. And I take it as a good sign that one of Anderson regular Bill Murray's lines - the last in the trailer - made me laugh out loud.

Favorite Scene Friday! Scrooged: Frank's Speech

As Perry Como said, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. It’s easy to get stressed out this time of year, considering all of the planning, shopping, and traveling that comes with this season. It’s important to stop every now and then and appreciate the holidays – call someone you haven’t spoken with in a few years. Sing along to some holiday tunes. Build a snowman, weather permitting.

But forget about all that for right now and watch this scene! It’s from 1988’s Scrooged, my favorite Christmas film. 

IMDb

Bill Murray, as Frank Cross, spends the whole movie being a modern-day Ebenezer Scrooge, an irredeemable prick that’s completely lost touch with humanity. Watch this scene if you need a refresher. Free bonus laughs included.

Something happens to Frank, however. Several encounters with Christmas ghosts show him how he used to be before becoming a scumbag, how his selfishness affects others, and what’s in store for him if he doesn’t change his ways.

Murray’s at his best when he’s playing an ass that finds redemption, and I think it’s because the actor can play a jerk and a wonderful person with equal ease. I love this scene because it’s so rewarding to see Frank completely transformed into a caring person. The speech he gives is totally genuine, and the song that breaks out at the end of the scene says it best – the world really can be a better place if you care about others.

I could understand if some people find Murray a little corny at the end of his speech, but I think it’s great. Bill’s truly a fine actor. And it always warms my heart and gives me goosebumps when little Calvin – Scrooged’s version of Tiny Tim – has his moment. If Frank hadn’t completely found his miracle by then, there was no denying it after hearing Calvin speak.

Check out ole’ Lumpy and the gang below. And have a Happy Friday and an even Happier Holiday season!

“Oh, by the way, HERE!”

Favorite Scene Friday: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou

I'm going to wrap up our first month of Favorite Scene Friday's with a subtle one from The Life Aquatic . . .  Far and away my favorite Wes Anderson film for many, many reasons, but this scene alone stands as the culmination of why I enjoy the film so much.  I was alone when I saw this movie for the first time and when this scene popped up, I laughed out loud.  So loud in fact that my cat took off from the couch faster than Clark Kent laying his seed.  Maybe it's because I find myself in similar situations more often than I like to admit . . . you know what I'm talking about, "You see those two squirrels humping in the tree over there?"  I see nothing but branches and leaves yet reply, "Oh yeah, sure."  That’s exactly what happens here; Steve points out something beautiful to his newfound son, Ned, and Ned tries so hard to impress his father and idol yet comes up short.  It’s terribly delightful to hear Bill Murray serenely retort that Owen Wilson, for lack of a better term, is an idiot who knows very little about the ocean and ultimately very little about the type of person Steve Zissou is.  Anyway, it’s a short scene which makes it that much sweeter so I hope you enjoy.