Dominique Sanda was the first choice for the leading role, but dropped out and was replaced by Delphine Seyrig.
Although set in India, the entire film was shot at the Château Rothschild and in the surrounding Parc Edmond de Rothschild in Boulogne-Billancourt, near Paris. The park is located next to the Seine river and borders on the Bois de Boulogne. After 37 years of neglect, the Château Rothschild will be restored, with work beginning in 2020.
The script was based on an unproduced play which Marguerite Duras finished in July 1972. The play had been commissioned for the Royal National Theatre by Peter Hall.
Michael Lonsdale's favourite film of his own and was aired in remembrance of him by Franco-German channel Arte ten days after his passing.