Paul Haggis holds the distinction of being the only person ever to write the screenplay for two consecutive Best Picture winners. He also wrote the previous year's Best Picture winner, Million Dollar Baby (2004).
With only a budget of $6 million for this film, director Paul Haggis had to cut the costs by using his own house for scenes and even his own car for other scenes.
Director Paul Haggis had wanted Christine to drive a Lexus SUV or a similar car that reflected her social status. However, since the car was to be destroyed during the accident scene, budget restrictions dictated otherwise and a 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ was used instead.