The script was written in seven days.
Many of the cast members are very successful character actors in Hollywood. Largely, the cast worked for well below typical wages given the strong interest they had in the script.
The writer of the script received three death threats during the shooting of the film. Although not specifically tied to the production, the threats are believed to be in response to the film's topic.
During the shooting, several near disasters took place, including one of the leads having two strokes. Two cast/crew members were arrested, and the police were called on the production four times.
During shooting, the lead was hit in the face with the weights used on the crane arm. It split his eye and left him with a black eye.