Anecdotes

Mark Ruffalo filmed his role in only six days.

Filmed in twenty-three days, because the creators had rushed post-production, so it would be finished in time for Sundance. Even though it was admitted after the deadline, the movie became one of the breakout hits of the festival.

Julianne Moore received the script, and agreed to star in the film five years before filming began.

Mark Ruffalo based his performance on his charismatic brother, who died not long before filming started. In his grief and disillusionment with his career, Ruffalo honestly believed this would be his last acting performance in favor of transitioning to directing. Seeing an audience react to the film at Sundance changed his mind about quitting acting.

Ewan McGregor was originally cast to play Paul.