Trivia / Mona Lisa

• Ability over Appearance: Thomas was originally a Cockney until Robbie Coltrane was cast.
• Breakaway Pop Hit: The movie featured "In Too Deep" by Genesis, which also featured on the band's best-selling album Invisible Touch. The song was written primarily by Phil Collins after he was asked to write a song for this movie soundtrack, but is credited to all three members of the band. It became a hit in the U.K. and the U.S. The song is heard almost in its entirety in the middle of the movie.
• Cast the Expert: Neil Jordan cast real prostitutes in this movie.
• Channel Hop: EMI were the original backers, but then they pulled out. Channel 4 were approached, but they dismissed the film as pornographic. It was eventually picked up by HandMade Films.
• Development Hell: In May 2009, Larry Clark announced a remake of this movie to be made by him. As of April 2020, this movie has not been remade.
• Executive Meddling: HandMade Films chief Denis O'Brien insisted that Genesis' music be featured in the film. He also wanted the film to end with George running down to Brighton Beach.
• Executive Veto: George Harrison, who co-produced the film, was adamant that there be no nudity in the film whatsoever, even though it's about sex workers.
• Playing Against Type: Bob Hoskins as a vulnerable sad-sack, Michael Caine as a sleazy flesh-peddler and Robbie Coltrane in an early dramatic role.
• What Could Have Been:
  • The early scripting called for George to be a much older character, and Sean Connery was suggested. Although Connery admired the work of Neil Jordan, and wanted to work with him, he disliked the role.
  • Anthony Hopkins was offered to play Mortwell, but turned it down, because he was not right for the part.
  • At one point, Hand Made Films Producer Denis O'Brien suggested Grace Jones for the role of Simone after seeing her on the poster for A View to a Kill.

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