Shot over a period of four and a half months in 50 different locations.
Keanu Reeves was a fan of the novel and met with Rappeneau for the part of Angelo. But the director wanted a french actor instead.
Jean-Paul Rappeneau spent over a year searching for a suitable male lead. Olivier Martinez had to audition several times before he landed the part.
Literary references in the movie include Ludovico Ariosto's "The Frenzy of Orlando" aka "The Raging Roland" (O: Orlando Furioso) by Ludovico Ariosto, a version of the legend of Tristan and Isolde is also read out. A copy of "Jerusalem Delivered" aka "The Liberation of Jerusalem" (O: La Gerusalemme liberata) by Torquato Tasso is lent to Angelo. The French author, poet and dramatist Victor Hugo is referenced in a conversation at a dinner table.