Originally conceived and shot as a more straightforward thriller. Partway through production, it was decided to embrace the then-current slasher genre and introduce more gore and violence.
The gruesome murders in this film had to be toned down in order to secure an R rating from the MPAA.
The movie incurred the wrath of feminists who picketed the film because of its apparent misogynistic treatment of women.
Jennifer Jason Leigh was flown in as a last minute replacement for another actress once filming had begun.