This film is set in real time, without breaks and, with the exception of the park scenes at the beginning and end, in a single location. The light outside visibly changes during the running time and it's slowly getting darker, adding another layer of realism to the film.
Christoph Waltz worked with a voice coach to affect an American accent for Alan, although his Austrian accent occasionally slips through such as the German pronunciation of "Walter."
This film cast includes three Oscar winners: Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet and Christoph Waltz; and Oscar nominee John C. Reilly.