No. 1 Groundhog Day (1993) 1 of 100

 

Here we go with another unrequested and unnecessary film blog. After seeing all of the IMDb 250 and all films by Michaels Caine and Fassbender, we move on to the third Michael, Mr Shannon.

Why Michael Shannon? Well, he’s a recognisable actor who is usually the best thing in any production that he appears in. Born in Lexington, Kentucky in 1974, Shannon first came to prominence, to my mind at least, in ‘Boardwalk Empire’. As the creepy and disturbed Agent Van Arlen he was a standout turn in an excellent show. I will re-watch this series as part of this process in half season chunks and will report accordingly on Shannon’s part, which I remember expanding as the show wore on.

I have allowed nine entries for Boardwalk Empire ( eight half seasons and one for the shortened Season 9), giving Shannon a nice round 100 credits to consider. This number includes two 'in production' entries and a final one for shorts, music videos, TV guest spots and the like. I have seen many of his films before but I will re-watch each with a more Shannon focused eye and will add in notes about his screen time in each film and about his character’s fate. I won’t list them chronologically as that would be a bit dull and I’d need to have every film on hand before I could start. The '/100' number will give you an idea of where in his career the feature being discussed occurred.

Shannon has never shied away from trying different things and he turns his able hand to comedy and drama in equal measure. His distinctive look, with his bulging eyes, usually made him a bit of a character actor to begin with, but he has definitely matured into leading man territory as he neared his half century.

I’ll offer each film a rating out of five, based on the enjoyment of the film in general not just on Shannon’s contribution. I will however flag the must sees for the Shannon fan and those where he’s just a bit of set decoration – looking at you Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice!

As we’re here, I might as well get the ball rolling with my first review which is also Shannon’s first screen credit:

Groundhog Day (1993) (List Number 1/93)

To review Groundhog Day would be like Groundhog Day for most readers. It’s an iconic film that basically brought ‘Groundhog Day’ into everyday parlance. Of course, the actual Punxsutawney Phil has been predicting the coming of spring since 1890, but it was this film that made the term synonymous with the act of experiencing the same event over and over.

I watched this on Amazon today, and it must have been the first time I’ve seen it in ten years. It still holds up well, but it was a bit more nihilistic than I remembered it – some of the middle sequences are dark as Bill Murray’s acerbic weatherman tries to get out of his endless repeating day by killing himself in the most grim ways he can imagine.

I’ve seen online speculation that Phil must have been in his loop for 18 years to get as proficient at the many skills he exhibits in the last iteration of his endless day, so I guess he’s got a right to be a bit depressed.

I thought it was curious that Murray’s character and the groundhog were both called ‘Phil’. This seems to be more than a coincidence as films don’t generally have two characters with the same name to prevent confusion. ‘Which Phil do you mean? Weatherman or groundhog?’ That would just be a waste of screen time. I speculate that Phil Connors is in fact the groundhog and the shadow he sees is his mean and spiteful life. It’s only when he resolves his issues and sorts out the problems he faces in his big day is he finally released from his servitude, as the shadow lifts. Or it might just be a high concept film about self improvement with two ‘Phils’ thrown in for no good reason.

Anyway what about Michael Shannon? Well, he has two scenes and gets dialogue in both. He plays Fred, a prospective groom whose fiancée is getting cold feet. He first appears an hour in and has one line “What?!”, as Murray reveals his fiancée is having second thoughts. At the big finale Shannon gets a fun scene where he thanks Connors for persuading his fiancée to go through with the wedding and is rewarded with Wrestlemania tickets by the now wise weatherman. Shannon looks young (he was 18/19 at the time) and not as distinctive looking as he later becomes. To be honest I preferred the performance of his fiancée who gives Andie MacDowell the stink eye when Shannon grabs a kiss from her.

First Screen Appearance!

Shannon gets a full listing in the credits and it is a small but memorable role that he executes well. He doesn’t get another screen credit for another three years until 1996’s ‘Chain Reaction’ which we’ll pick up soon.

When is Shannon-On? - 1.07.18

Outcome? Married & off to Wrestlemania

Film 5/5

Shannon Stars 1/5