アメリカの映画 "Groundhog Day"

アメリカの1990年代の映画"Groundhog Day"（日本では「恋はデジャヴ」）に関する英会話です。気象予報士が田舎町に行って、春の訪れの時期を占う祭りを取材したのち、何度も2月2日にタイムループしてしまう物語です。実は、同行していた女性、リタに恋をしていて、その恋が成就するまで2月2日を繰り返すという話です。私はロマンス映画が好きなので、とても気にっている作品です。アメリカでも、フィルムが永久保存登録されています。

◆英単語、表現
cynical : 〔人や態度などが〕ひねくれた、相手を小ばかにした

A: Have you watched the movie "Groundhog Day"?

B: Yes, I have! It's a 1993 American fantasy comedy film directed by Harold Ramis.

A: That's right. It stars Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, and Chris Elliott. Do you remember the plot?

B: Yes, it's about a cynical television weatherman who becomes trapped in a time loop, forcing him to relive February 2 repeatedly while covering the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

A: Exactly. The film was a box-office success and received generally positive reviews. It even won a BAFTA Award for Best Original Screenplay. Did you know that the film has grown in esteem over the years and is now considered one of the greatest comedy movies ever?

B: Yes, I did. The term "Groundhog Day" has even become part of the English lexicon, meaning a monotonous, unpleasant, and repetitive situation.

A: That's right. Some scholars have even analyzed the film as a religious allegory. It's credited for the mainstream acceptance of comedy films featuring fantasy genre elements.

B: I also heard that the film was a showcase for Bill Murray and led to more serious lead roles in critically acclaimed films.

A: Yes, that's correct. Despite its success, the film marked the end of Ramis's and Murray's long collaborative partnership. They did not speak after filming until shortly before Ramis's death in 2014.

B: That's too bad. But it's great that the film has been adapted into a musical and a video game sequel.

A: Yes, it's called "Groundhog Day: Like Father Like Son."