Betty Waters says "The movie is so true to life. Not every scene happened, but every emotion happened."
Screenwriter Pamela Gray spent eight years on the project. The project was on, then off in 2004 when Universal pulled the plug. In 2007 independent financing was found, and Hilary Swank, Sam Rockwell, and Minnie Driver agreed to the low budget effort.
The movie was nearly 10 years in development.
Hilary Swank didn't meet her real-life character Betty Anne Waters until just before the filming began. She says she wanted to get into the character, not just mimic someone.
Screenwriter Pamela Gray says she doesn't believe the awards or critics; she knows if her projects are well received by listening in the theater ladies' room after a showing.