Claudio carries a copy of Ernest Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises" at the party. It becomes a topic of conversation with Lena, at which point the novel's bittersweet ending is referenced, which was intended to be a foreshadowing element for the end of the film.
The film's visual style was made to emulate the films of the American New Wave, from late 1960s and early 1970s. The photographic process, in conjunction with locations and production design, attempted to make the film look worn, as if the events originally took place in decades past.
The role of Lena was originally to be played by Clementine Ford, who had to back out due to a scheduling conflict at the last minute. The filmmakers then reconsidered another actress they had previously seen for the part, Judit Fekete, who turned out to be perfect for the role.