Griffin & Phoenix

Plot synopsis:
The film starts with Henry Griffin (Dermot Mulroney) learning from his oncologist that his cancer has spread and that he only has one year, two at most, left to live. This discovery starts him on a journey of self-reflection which includes starting a novel and taking a psychology class at New York University. In this class, he meets Sarah Phoenix (Amanda Peet). He asks her on a date and after hesitation she comes. Then the two of them goof around and eventually stay up all night together watching the sunrise. Griffin believes they are close but Phoenix doesn't show as much interest. Although Phoenix sends Griffin the occasional mixed signals, the two team up for a whirlwind of adventurous and almost childlike activities. However Phoenix doesn't want to hurt Griffin or herself by falling in love because she's too weak to deal with it as she too has cancer and is also short of time. One day while at Griffin's house after their adventure, while cleaning she comes across his books on dying and "living life to the fullest" and comes to the conclusion that Griffin knows she's ill and is being nice only out of sympathy. She storms out and after their confrontation Griffin explains that the books belong to him and he too has cancer. This causes the two to fall ever more deeply for one another, and their relationship deepens. Together, they strive to make the most of their last days of life. However while exploring and making the most of their last days, Griffin explains how when he gets seriously ill he will just leave and he wishes for her to not come looking for him because it's something he feels he must do himself. But Phoenix is first to get sick and uses Griffin's same words against him. This deeply hurts Griffin and causes him to overact. Later, however, after realizing he was wrong, he decides he wants to spend the last moments of Phoenix's life with her anyhow. The movie ends with Griffin making 'Christmas' for Phoenix, as it is her favorite season and it would be their last holiday together.

Tags: tragedy, dramatic, romantic

Review:
Dermot Mulroney delivers a spectacular performance in Griffin and Phoenix, which premiered on Lifetime this evening.
Mulroney is Griffin, a New Yorker who learns he has cancer and has but a year or two at the most to live.
Griffin meets Phoenix (Amanda Peet, at her best) while taking a class at a university, and he pursues her, not telling her he has cancer.
As the two grow closer, he learns something about her he did not expect.Exquisite and bittersweet are two adjectives that come to mind when I think of this movie.
A Different Kind of Love Story: Balance in Life.
GRIFFIN & PHOENIX is a quiet little made for television film that touches the vulnerable heart.
Originally written in 1976 as a television film by John Hill, this thirty-years-later version holds up well, and the fact that audiences will still opt for sensitive stories that treat difficult topics in a mature manner, adding warmly humorous touches to a potentially maudlin idea, speaks well for our continuing tastes.From the opening frames of the film we learn that Griffin (Dermot Mulroney) has inoperable cancer: his frank and compassionate physician (Lois Smith) aligns him with reality.
Once a workaholic, Griffin attends a class on death and dying at the university and there he meets the rather strange and isolated Phoenix (Amanda Peet).
Griffin's new take on life encourages him to go after the seemingly impenetrable Phoenix and through a series of wildly frivolous escapades he courts her and they gradually fall in love - something neither felt they could do.
Both Peet and Mulroney create believable three-dimensional characters and are well supported by such solid actors as Lois Smith, Sarah Paulson, and Novella Nelson.
The story may have sad aspects, but the cast always allows the humor inherent in any life event to come through.
First, I want a DVD or the chance to tape this movie.
Amanda Peet and Dermot Mulroney will make you laugh and break your heart.
If you're the type that doesn't cry at a movie guess what, there is a first time for everything..
a heart felt real movie.
It's character relationship is unmatched in many films I see today and its capacity to deal with cancer in a real and supportive fashion should be commended.
This is a love story of our era and one that all should see.The director was able to take a difficult subject and turn it into a light hearted, real story that allowed the audience to both feel the characters frustration, upset and sorrow as well as laugh and understand their humanity.Amanda.
Heart warming tear jerking love story.
I think most people agree the movie not getting enough credit.
Amanda Peet and Dermot Mulroney were great choices (and both very attractive) and had good chemistry.
It's one of those sad love stories that make you cry your eyes out yet your happy at the same time.Very heart warming and touching.
But the human probability of the story is very high, and I wonder it this kind of plot doesn't help people to think about the reality of their lives, how we might treat each other and feel about the time that we have had to live.
I challenge you to watch this to decide.This movie needs more advertising..
Perhaps the movie should have spent more time pointing that out and making it a more central element of the storytelling?
You think that would make it a good film, from 1 star to...
Mulroney and Peet give excellent performances here and they have good on-screen chemistry.
It's not the whole story of either of their lives, but hello, this is one movie.
Get real.I don't think "Griffin and Phoenix" quite rates the 10 that many are giving it, because it does have a few flaws, but IMO those flaws are secondary to the high quality of what is shown and of what we feel with these two suffering lovers.
Don't let the boo-birds distract you from the treasure.I'll close by saying that I've been a fan of Amanda Peet for a long time, and she's as good here as in anything I've seen from her.
i think that there should be more movies that make people understand how precious life is and to live each day like it is your last.
i know everyone who watches this movie will cry and laugh at the same time.
i thank both of the actors for putting there heart into this movie..
Griffin & Phoenix a poignant love story about two people who realize how precious life is..
Personally, I don't understand why this movie did not make it to the big screen but I was happy to see that they at least got it on cable so that fans could watch it.
I felt that Dermot Mulroney and Amanda Peat had great chemistry and both gave exceptional performances.
Normally, I don't care for remakes but I felt Ed Stone did a great job with this movie.
I hope that they release it on DVD so that people who do not have cable are able to enjoy Mulroney and Peat's heart-felt performances.
I don't know why this movie didn't get more credits...it is a heartbreaking story and it happens all the time in the real world.
I loved the chemistry between them, the acting was so real and it made me think of the way we waste our lives on stupid stuff instead of living like it is our last...i am definitely buying this movie.
I can't believe that people didn't like this movie and that it went directly to cable.
That is probably because these days the public only likes to watch the movies with blood, guns and outrages nudity scenes.
A predictable but nonetheless really good tragic romance film..
It's a romance story of two terminally ill people who meet each other and slowly, with some ups and downs, fall in love.
Stop!I think it's a movie that is full of personality, character and quality acting.
I also think it follows a tired formula that romance movies need to break out of..
I would like to comment on this film, but this is a remake of one, which starred Peter Falk and Jill Claybourne.
I am not sure of the title, but I search for griffin and phoenix and found the Falk one.
Great movie and excellent acting.
I just found out this movie is remake http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074592/ and I will try to watch the original too.
Story might seem too unbelievable to happen in real live and that it is used just to make movie makers the money.
But quite contrary movies shows the good and bad times of life in perfect way and reminds how life and time is precious.
Waste time in movie.
Second, comics scene in their situation (Phoenix and Griffin) in cinema, train etc are very stupid.
Love story in movie is really touchable and possible in real life, unfortunately.
The story for this movie was very good but somewhere along the way they missed something.
The time line was too condensed, it was like watching the Reader's Digest version.
Great acting on behalf on Amanda Peet and Dermot Mulroney but I understand why this was never released to theaters.
Rent it to watch on a Sunday afternoon (or catch it next time it airs on Lifetime) and don't forget the box of tissues..
If there was ever a movie that made you think about how you are living your life - this is it.
In short: don't waste time, fall in love, be silly, do everything you want to (within reason) today, because you may not have tomorrow.
Griffin (Dermot Mulroney) is a NY insurance broker, diagnosed with cancer and given less than two years to live.
Griffin changes when he meets Phoenix (Amanda Peet) during a university lecture She is a professor who is also obsessed with work.
The film ends when Phoenix reveals her life's secret which binds them together forever.
I got the DVD because I wanted to see more Amanda Peet after watching 'Something's Got To Give'.
She talks to her mother on the telephone, but has obviously not revealed how precarious is her health.Dermot Mulroney really came across as the workaholic Griffin who has to face his approaching death without the support of the family he ignored too long.
Dermot managed to convey his inner turmoil with nothing more than his expressions and body language.Griffin and Phoenix meet at a college lecture on death and dying and they feel an immediate attraction.
Phoenix tries to dismiss Griffin's advances, but eventually starts to allow him into her heart.
Part of her reluctance is the pain of her previous romantic breakup, but more pressing is her depression at her declining health.It was amazing to watch the personal growth of Griffin as he emerged from his shell to cherish his new love through the difficult and painful experience of her terminal illness.
Even in the midst of his own problems Griffin can reach out to support someone else in time of need.One thing puzzled me in the film.
Phoenix has had a sudden decline in her health and is admitted to the hospital for probably her final few days of life.
Surely, Sarah would not keep her mother in the dark at such a difficult time in her life.The film finale just tore at my emotions.
The early Christmas Griffin provides Phoenix is at once precious and painful to watch.
The love between these two dying people is made so real that I hated to watch the view fade out to the screen credits.This TV movie was far superior to many higher budget efforts that actually received theater screening.
I really felt so sad that this film didn't get any nomination for the Oscar , Golden Globe or even for the Bafta Awards The story is so strong , the leading roles by Amanda Peet and Dermot Mulrone were very brilliant.
Even the Director (Ed Stone) gave us a very good Job.the story is a bout a man and a woman falling in love ( Both having a cancer) but without knowing that the other one had it too.
Amanda Peet gave us a magnificent Job especially when she gets very angry and hysterical after she thought that her boyfriend (aDermot Mulroneynd) knew about her disease.I always love to watch a film with a good Final scene because ( in my opinion) If the film hadn't a good end it will lose almost everything, and trust my the final scene in this film is so lovely and it will make u feel happy even if the story is so sad..
Somewhat contrived but still moving, mostly due to nice performances by Mulroney and Peet.
Griffin (Dermot Mulroney) has just received a second opinion on his lung cancer.
Realizing his that his days are short, Griffin makes a huge pass at beautiful Phoenix (Amanda Peet) during a chance meeting at Columbia University.
This movie is somewhat contrived but hangs together by the performances of Mulroney and Peet.
I don't like spoilers but you really can't review this movie without it so I beg your indulgence.Two people, each with terminal cancer, meet and fall in love and only by accident does each one find out the other's "secret." This may not be a good way to start a relationship but, in this case, it works and it makes for a wonderful albeit sad movie.Griffin is told he has a chestful of tumors and, at most, a year to live.
He has 2 sons by his first wife and, realizing he has little time left, he spends more time with them.He also attends a Life Against Death type of class where he meets a different, almost kooky girl named Phoenix (somewhere, midway in the film we learn her first name is Sarah.
And this they do with a vengeance.There are some goofy, silly scenes in the movie that could have been left out although they illustrate the idea of doing what you've always wanted to do and to enjoy each day as if it were your last.But at the end (and I won't say what happens; it's not as obvious as you think), I found myself saying, "I'd give my SOUL for a love like that." It's the kind of love story most of us women crave and I'm no exception.
Another plus for this movie is Dermot Mulroney is so handsome!
I actually envied Amanda Peete because (in this movie) she gets to fall in love with and make passionate love with him.
For a storyline that supposed to discuss the most sensitive topics in the world (which are life and death) the movie failed to convey the proper emotions or the certain level of connection that is expected between the actors and the viewers.
On screen, the actors did not display the kind of chemistry that a "reel love team" should evoke, which was surprising when both have played commendable roles in romantic films and shows (i.e. Mulroney in "My Bestfriend's Wedding" and "The Wedding Date" and Peet in "Jack and Jill").
I honestly believe that the way the movie presented the life of two people destined to fall in love with each other and eventually experience death, has been an utter insult to the viewers' intellect and emotions.
It was an absolute waste of money, time and effort going to the cinema just to see this movie.
I saw this movie at the sundance film festival in 2006.
My question is, how can two people have terminal cancer and their deaths are days away and yet at no time in the film did they look sick.
At many times in the film the two characters are actually shown running and showing no signs of tiredness.
Even at the end of the movie when Amanda Peats character is on the verge of death, she sneaks out of the hosptal with Griffin and again is seen climbing mountainess terrain, until the last couple of steps when Griffin carrts her in his arms.
Apart from the tragically predictable story, the horrible acting (I mean the scene where he wants to play basketball with his sons, yuck), the clichéd comical reliefs (angry black guy in cinema or gossipy assistant), the romcom standard music (perky piano and strings), the obvious begging for emotions, this film was true garbage.
If you are a woman in desperate need of a chic-flic and know that you don't have any standards whatsoever when it comes to movie quality, give it a shot.
Not a good movie..
I just saw this movie last night and was very disappointed.
Moreover, you'd also think he'd want to spend as much time with his kids as possible before he dies.
I loved the characters and how they came to terms with their situation and how in love they found their strength to accept it and use that time to enjoy life.I love how they took the risk to fall in love and how they became stronger and not let the darkness and depression overcome them.All I can say is that it's simply a beautiful film that leaves you sad yet nothing but pride and love for the characters Griffin and Phoenix.
I loved the characters and how they came to terms with their situation and how in love they found their strength to accept it and use that time to enjoy life.I love how they took the risk to fall in love and how they became stronger and not let the darkness and depression overcome them.All I can say is that it's simply a beautiful film that leaves you sad yet nothing but pride and love for the characters Griffin and Phoenix.
Granted it was a little contrived sometimes but there are also many times where it doesn't fall into clichés.Amanda Peet and Dermot Mulroney have done an amazing job.
But at the same time it also breaks some norms associated with these type of movies.
While it may be unpalatable to some people, I liked this movie because of those parts.
The part I am referring to is when Griffin who is portrayed by Dermot Mulroney, goes to meet his kids after coming to know that he has one year to live(It is not really a spoiler as we come to know about it just when the film starts).
I've been watching a lot of movies lately, and I gotta say, this one was SOLID and kind of caught me by surprise for the fun and lessons about life it brought me.
I had no idea what it was about (which is probably better that way), so partway through, it hit me: This movie is about a slice of life and really brings meaning to what it means to live.
I would discard terms like 'tearjearker' or 'grab-some-tissues' lest you think this is only for women, or something when you need a good cry.
It's a solid drama that delivers jabs and punches as it journeys on a highway of life, fun, and tenderness.Dermot Mulroney as Griffin was solid (loved his work in this) and Amanda Peet as Ms. Phoenix was simply charming as a reluctant balance to the driven protagonist.
Strong direction, fine music and a solid supporting cast turned a simple story into something watchable, meaningful and rather moving.I just want to re-watch bits and parts of the movie to recapture some of the moments that sank deep and stirred something within.
Great movie.
But the most important reason was that Amanda Peet played one of the lead roles!I think this film has to be released on DVD!
The story was good because it's not easy to act like you've cancer.
But I think there happened too less in the movie..
But Amanda Peet did make it all good!
Can't believe how great she is!I got this movie from someone in the US.