Production note Friedkin added the opening terrorist sequence, the car chase, and some other material after the original setup was in place.
Production note The film reportedly made about $17 million on a $6 million budget.
Production note Fake money from the production reportedly leaked into circulation.
Production note The movie’s car chase involved shutting down a major Los Angeles highway.
Production note Petersen did several stunts himself, including the bungee jump and demanding rooftop work.
Production note The sex scene was so explicit that Friedkin reportedly cut a videotaped version from the film.
Production note Friedkin reportedly wanted Wang Chung to make the score, then changed the movie around the title song after hearing it.
Production note A real painting was burned in the movie.
Production note The film’s alternate ending sends Chance and Vukovic to Alaska.
Miami Vice Used as the main comparison point for the movie’s style, timing, and public reception.
French Connection Used as a model for Friedkin’s stripped-down crime style and as a comparison for cop thrillers.
Heat Mentioned as a template for the cops/criminals-on-the-line dynamic.
Paris, Texas Referenced as the visual inspiration for Friedkin’s LA look through Robbie Müller.
Repo Man Named as another Müller-shot LA film in the same general creative orbit.
Beverly Hills Cop Used as the opposite of this film’s gritty, non-Hollywood LA geography.
The French Connection Referenced again when discussing Friedkin’s style and car-chase pedigree.
It Happened One Night Mentioned during a side story about Oscar history and write-in voting.
Of Human Bondage Seen on a TV within the film and used for an Oscar-history tangent.
The Exorcist Used as an example of Friedkin’s recurring music choices and taste.
Sorcerer Referenced as another dangerous Friedkin production and another example of his comeback/legacy.
Lethal Weapon Used for the 'too old for this shit' line comparison.
The Untouchables Used as a comparison point for Andy Garcia and crime-movie casting.
CSI Referenced as the later career jackpot for Petersen.
Body Double Used by Chris Ryan as part of a favorite grimy-80s-LA-film cluster.
