Despite acclaim at Cannes, the film did not fare well with British critics, subsequently affecting its box office performance. Thinking that the film was being underserved, its British distributors Film Four offered a money back guarantee if people didn't enjoy it. This swelled its attendance figures considerably with only 5 people asking for their money back.
Lars von Trier has said that each morning before filming, Björk would say "Mr. von Trier, I despise you," and spit at him.
Lars von Trier originally cast himself as the angry man who chastises Selma and Kathy in the movie theater. Due to his contentious on-set relationship with Björk, he feared that he might end up losing control and overacting, so the part went to Michael Flessas.
Björk's first leading role in a studio-produced feature film (Quando Éramos Bruxas (1990)) was an independent film project. During the shooting, she left the set. No one knew where she was and no one was able to contact her. Shooting was suspended indefinitely. She came back after three days - as can be seen in Von Trier's 100 øjne (2000).