James Gandolfini was initially dubious about taking on the part of Albert as he didn't feel it was a natural fit for him. Ironically, he got some of the best notices of his career for his performance in the film.
When promoting Oldboy (2013) , Michael Imperioli was asked if he had seen this film, given that it featured The Sopranos (1999) co-star James Gandolfini. Imperioli said that viewing the trailer was enough, as it seemed closest to what Gandolfini was like, and that he couldn't bear to see his late friend through the entire film.
Dedicated to James Gandolfini who died almost a year after filming was completed and before the movie was released. Gandolfini never saw the finished film.
Although the film was tightly scripted, the actors were nevertheless encouraged to improvise.