Peter Falk and Jill Clayburgh certainly don't sound like the typical romantic couple. In fact, it's hard to envision them as being a couple at all
until you watch "Griffin and Phoenix: A Love Story". The story is the old "two dying people fall in love" one, but it's done with such grace and believability that the film is really irresistible.
Griffin (Falk) is told by his doctor that his cancer has spread and he only has a short time to live, so he decides to take a college class instead of moping around at home. There he meets Phoenix (Clayburgh) a fun-loving, carefree woman to whom he is instantly attracted. The two naturally fall in love, sharing many emotional, sweet, and poignant scenes together. Griffin accidentally discovers Phoenix's secret, though: she too is dying of cancer, and also wants to live a little before the end comes. The two make an unbreakable agreement: when one knows it's the time to leave and face death, the other cannot follow, but must remain behind and not interfere. One day Griffin comes home to find a note from Phoenix stating that she has left, and reminding him of their agreement not to search for her. Griffin cannot say goodbye so easily, and frantically searches until he finds Phoenix in a hospital, on life support and clearly close to the end of her life. Although she is upset that he has found her like this, the two lovers embrace one last time before Phoenix passes away. Griffin then slowly walks down a street, staring blankly ahead while smashing car windows, as the film ends.
I saw this film at its premiere over 32 years ago and I have often thought of its message. If you just review the film's plot and cast, you'd think that there's no way this film would be any good. Logic suggests that Falk should be badly miscast as the male lead in a poignant, romantic movie like this; however, he is absolutely excellent as Griffin. Clayburgh is wonderful as always as Phoenix, bringing a cheerful yet rational approach to her doomed character. The two lovers' final scene together is truly tearful and emotional, and makes you feel as though you are there sharing their love and pain. The two leads turn what could be a mawkish, maudlin story into one that is uplifting yet very sad at the same time. It's just a wonderful film with great actinga stunningly superb TV movie.
Griffin (Falk) is told by his doctor that his cancer has spread and he only has a short time to live, so he decides to take a college class instead of moping around at home. There he meets Phoenix (Clayburgh) a fun-loving, carefree woman to whom he is instantly attracted. The two naturally fall in love, sharing many emotional, sweet, and poignant scenes together. Griffin accidentally discovers Phoenix's secret, though: she too is dying of cancer, and also wants to live a little before the end comes. The two make an unbreakable agreement: when one knows it's the time to leave and face death, the other cannot follow, but must remain behind and not interfere. One day Griffin comes home to find a note from Phoenix stating that she has left, and reminding him of their agreement not to search for her. Griffin cannot say goodbye so easily, and frantically searches until he finds Phoenix in a hospital, on life support and clearly close to the end of her life. Although she is upset that he has found her like this, the two lovers embrace one last time before Phoenix passes away. Griffin then slowly walks down a street, staring blankly ahead while smashing car windows, as the film ends.
I saw this film at its premiere over 32 years ago and I have often thought of its message. If you just review the film's plot and cast, you'd think that there's no way this film would be any good. Logic suggests that Falk should be badly miscast as the male lead in a poignant, romantic movie like this; however, he is absolutely excellent as Griffin. Clayburgh is wonderful as always as Phoenix, bringing a cheerful yet rational approach to her doomed character. The two lovers' final scene together is truly tearful and emotional, and makes you feel as though you are there sharing their love and pain. The two leads turn what could be a mawkish, maudlin story into one that is uplifting yet very sad at the same time. It's just a wonderful film with great actinga stunningly superb TV movie.