Based on a novel called "Heroic Measures," it was renamed "Life Itself," then "Ruth and Alex," then "5 Flights Up."
Morgan Freeman and Dianne Keaton are credited as being the singers of some of the songs heard on the film.
During the open house, the book that Alex (Morgan Freeman) is reading in the corner is A War Against Truth by Paul William Roberts.
Filmed at Steiner Studios Brooklyn, New York.
American Humane Association monitored the animal action. No animals were harmed in those scenes. (AHAD 04241)