The movie frequently excerpts the Nat 'King' Cole song "Mona Lisa" and shares its title. The picture was made and released about thirty-six years after the song was first performed in 1950.
Bob Hoskins was unaware that Michael Caine was in the film until he arrived on set for the first day of shooting. Caine himself had created the ruse while they worked together on Sweet Liberty (1986). He told Hoskins that he had been offered the part but it was too small and he was tired playing villains, even though he had already agreed to take the role.
George stops and orders Simone to get out of the car but doubles back parks and apologizes. Exhaust fumes are clearly seen from the rear of the vehicle as he left it running. When they get back in, he changes gear and pulls off into traffic. On the soundtrack however you can hear the car ignition kicking in (as in the key turning) which is inaccurate as the car engine was already turned on.
George: She was trapped. From the first time he met her. She was trapped. Like a bird in a cage. But he couldn't see it. He liked her, but he was the type who couldn't see what was in front of his face. And there she was, in pain. You can get soppy about someone, well, you can't see these things, and he was, soppy sod. She had faith in him. She believed in him. And he had a lot of hopes for her. And there was love. Yeah. She was in love alright. She really was. But not with him. And that's the story.