This film comprises in excess of 5,000 edits, which constitutes a record.
Originally conceived as a documentary titled "The Cook" about methamphetamine cooks — the makers of the drug — along with their dealers and users. Instead, the project developed into a screenplay drawn from three days in the life of the film's creator, writer and co-producer, Will De Los Santos, during which, in the winter of 1995, he spent three days driving a methamphetamine cook around Eugene, Oregon.
Spun (2002) earned in excess of $42,000,000 (USD) from home-video rentals in the United States alone within the first three months of its release.
Mena Suvari had resin applied to her teeth to give them a grungier appearance. She subsequently had to have them professionally cleaned to remove the resin.
Spider Mike was originally intended to appear entirely naked in a masturbation scene, but John Leguizamo declined to perform it; he agreed instead to wear a sock over his penis.
The initial edit ran for three and a half hours.
After Frisbee has been shot, the doctor who utters 'That's gotta hurt' is portrayed by Billy Corgan, best known from The Smashing Pumpkins; he also contributed to the film's soundtrack.
Jonas Almqvist granted Jonas Åkerlund permission to use Leather Nun's song "506" free of charge on the understanding that Åkerlund would make a music video for him. By 2010, Åkerlund had still not returned the favour.
The bit of faeces that appears to fall from Mena Suvari is actually a softened Reese's Peanut Butter Cup.
Principal photography on the film was completed in 22 days.
One of the characters watches a music video by the Norwegian black metal band Satyricon. The song is titled "Mother North". The band agreed to let Jonas Åkerlund use the footage on the condition that he would direct their next video, "Fuel for Hatred". He filmed that video in 2003.
Madonna was initially cast to play The Neighbour, but withdrew because her 2001 North American tour conflicted with the schedule. Ginger Lynn was subsequently cast, though she also withdrew for reasons that were not disclosed.
The wrestling clip playing in Mickey Rourke's room is a recording of Insane Clown Posse's "Juggalo Championsh*t Wrestling" (JCW).
The arm of producer Danny Vinik is used in the scene in which John Leguizamo's character 'Spider Mike' injects methamphetamine.
The shortest cut in the film lasts just two frames and occurs when the police smash down the door of the house belonging to John Leguizamo's drug dealer.
Jonas Åkerlund: Hippie begging for a 25-cent coin at the coach station.
Spider Mike's door lacks a handle until he locks himself inside to have telephone sex.
When Ross and the Cook pull away from the market for the second time, "Nobody's Fault" by Phantom Planet can be heard on the radio. Jason Schwartzman remained Phantom Planet's drummer until 2004.
Mickey Rourke is briefly "reunited" with his "Cousin Paulie", actor Eric Roberts, in this film. The two previously co-starred as cousins in 1984's The Pope of Greenwich Village.
This film marked the feature-length directorial debut of Jonas Åkerlund.
A total of 20 credits are listed for producer and co-producer roles.
The poster for this film appears to be something of a send-up of the poster for American Beauty (1999). The stomach shown on that poster was long thought to be Mena Suvari's, but in fact it belonged to Chloe Hunter. Both actresses appear in this film.
The initials 'D.H.' painted on the house denote co-producer David Hillary.
Eric Roberts, who portrays the flamboyant dealer known only as "The Man"', is the brother of Julia Roberts.
After Nikki had hung up on him, when Cook rings Ross at his flat, Cook says "don't you EVERY lie to me...." rather than ever.
The second film in Mickey Rourke's career in which he is depicted defending the cashier(s). ("Harley Davidson & The Marlboro Man" [1991])
It is somewhat ironic that Ross, who uses one of the most hazardous street drugs, drives a Volvo — a car widely regarded as amongst the safest on the road.
Early in the film, in a motel room, a character called the Cook, played by Mickey Rourke, is seen watching professional wrestling on television. Rourke later went on to portray an indie/pro wrestler in the 2008 film The Wrestler.
Listed in the 'Thanks' credits is adult‑film actress Ginger Lynn, who had originally been cast in The Neighbor before being replaced by Deborah Harry.
Despite Deborah Harry appearing in the cast, the film's soundtrack does not include any music by her band Blondie.
The cassette purchased by the Cook at the porn shop is titled "Rectum for a Dream", likely a send-up of Requiem for a Dream, another film that graphically depicts drug addiction.
Brittany Murphy (Nikki) and Josh Peck (Fat Boy) were both born on 10 November, nine years apart: Murphy in 1977 and Peck in 1986.
