Neil Jordan had originally intended to name the film "Double Down" but changed his mind when he learned that there were other films being released with the same and/or similar titled.
Nick Nolte admitted in an interview that he took a small injection of heroin in preparation for his role. He claims that in order to play such a character he required the feeling of addiction and what it is to be a heroin junkie.
Although Ralph Fiennes was not listed in the cast he did gain a credit in the technical assistance as Fine Arts Adviser.