Al Pacino didn't know how to drive a car prior to this film. He had to take driving lessons before he was able to drive in the race car scenes.
Sydney Pollack once said of actor Al Pacino's performance and characterization in this film that Al is "one of the few actors around who can play a seemingly passive, uninteresting man, and make it not boring to watch."
Lead stars Al Pacino and Marthe Keller were involved in a personal relationship around the time and after this film was made and released.