Matthew's black and white striped shorts in the film are likely an homage to iconic big wave surfer Greg Noll, who was known for wearing similar "prison-striped" board shorts.
The hearse driven by surfers and carrying surfboards is likely a tribute to mid-twentieth century big wave surfing pioneers who drove such vehicles.
According to co-star Nolan North, McConaughey fired his managers and agents after the film's release. He then went on an "Oscar hunt".