The character Arthur Blue (Peter Coyote) is loosely based on fetishistic painter Robert Blue (son of actor Ben Blue).
The film was originally rated "X" by the MPAA (Motion Picture Association Of America) due to the sex scene between "Blue" "Eli" and "Candy" according to a piece published in the 21st September 1984 issue of 'The Los Angeles Times' newspaper.
The article stated that the movie was re-rated with an "R" rating after director Bobby Roth edited out much of the "sexual interplay".
The film in 1985 was entered into a selected to screen in competition for the prestigious Golden Berlin Bear award at the 35th Berlin International Film Festival.
Michael Ontkean was considered for the lead male role of Eli Kahn which in the end was cast with Nick Mancuso according to an article published in the 7th September 1983 issue of show-business trade-paper 'The Hollywood Reporter'.
John Heard was considered for the lead male role of Arthur Blue which in the end was cast with Peter Coyote according to an article published in the 7th September 1983 issue of show-business trade-paper 'The Hollywood Reporter'.