You know that feeling when you find a movie that’s basically a punch to the gut, but in a way that makes you actually want to go outside and breathe the air? That's the Griffin and Phoenix movie. It’s not some big-budget blockbuster with explosions or multiverses. It's just two people, a lot of bad news, and a water tower.
Honestly, it’s a weird one to talk about because it exists in two versions, and everyone seems to have a favorite depending on when they grew up. Whether you’re watching Peter Falk in the 70s or Dermot Mulroney in the mid-2000s, the vibe is the same. It’s about dying. But really, it’s about how much of a mess we make of living until the clock starts ticking.
The Story Behind the Griffin and Phoenix Movie
Basically, the plot is a nightmare scenario turned into a romance. Henry Griffin gets the worst news possible from his oncologist: he has maybe a year to live. Instead of just wallowing, he goes to a "Psychology of Death and Dying" class at NYU. That’s where he meets Sarah Phoenix.
The twist? She’s dying too.
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The 2006 remake, directed by Ed Stone, really leans into that "live like there's no tomorrow" energy. They do the stuff you'd see on a bucket list before bucket lists were even a trendy thing. They hop freight trains. They sneak into movie theaters. They paint graffiti on water towers. It sounds cheesy when you write it out, but when you're watching Amanda Peet and Dermot Mulroney play these characters, it feels desperate and real.
1976 vs. 2006: Which Version Wins?
People argue about this. The original 1976 TV movie starred Peter Falk and Jill Clayburgh. It was a massive "Movie of the Week" hit back then. Falk brought that rumpled, Columbo-style charm to Griffin, making the tragedy feel very grounded.
Then you have the 2006 version. It’s got a bit more of that indie-film sheen. It features a supporting cast that is low-key incredible, like Sarah Paulson and even a cameo by Fred Armisen. While critics at the time—like those at Screen Daily—called it a "disease of the week" flick, it’s found a second life on streaming. It’s one of those movies people discover on a rainy Tuesday and then message their friends about at 2:00 AM.
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Why the Water Tower Scene Matters
If you’ve seen the Griffin and Phoenix movie, you know the water tower is the heart of the whole thing. It’s where Griffin paints "Griffin Loves Phoenix" inside a heart. It’s vandalism, sure, but in the context of the film, it’s a middle finger to the cancer. It’s a way of saying, "I was here, and I loved this person."
There’s a specific kind of sadness in the ending when you see workmen painting over the graffiti. It’s a brutal reminder that the world keeps spinning and people forget. But for that hour and forty minutes you’re watching, you don’t forget.
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Let’s be real—this movie paved the way for things like The Fault in Our Stars or A Walk to Remember. It’s a subgenre. Some people find it manipulative. Some think it’s "trauma porn."
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But what makes Griffin and Phoenix different is that these aren’t teenagers. They’re adults with baggage. Griffin has an ex-wife and kids who don't really want to be around him. Phoenix is guarded and prickly. They aren't "star-crossed" in a poetic way; they're just unlucky.
Production Details You Might Not Know
- Director: Ed Stone (for the 2006 version).
- Cast: Dermot Mulroney, Amanda Peet, Sarah Paulson, Blair Brown.
- Budget: It was a relatively small production, around $500,000, which is wild considering the talent involved.
- Soundtrack: The music is actually great. You've got tracks by Ray LaMontagne and Patty Griffin that fit the "soulful crying" mood perfectly.
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) back in 2006. It didn't set the box office on fire—making about $1.4 million—but that’s because it’s the kind of movie that belongs on a TV screen in a dark living room, not a multiplex.
Is It Worth a Watch?
If you want to feel something, yes. If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted rom-com, stay far away. This movie is about the "quiet moments," as some reviews pointed out. It’s about the awkwardness of being terminally ill and trying to have a sex life. It’s about the rage that comes when you realize you're being pitied.
The 2006 version is currently floating around on various streaming platforms like MGM+ or available for rent on Apple TV. It’s a solid pick if you need a perspective shift.
Next Steps for Your Movie Night
- Check Availability: Look for the 2006 version on MGM+ or Amazon Prime Video. If you’re a purist, the 1976 version is sometimes tucked away on YouTube or classic film archives.
- Double Feature it: If you really want to lean into the theme, pair it with The Bucket List or Irreplaceable You.
- Grab Tissues: Seriously. This isn't a "maybe I'll tear up" situation. You will.