MGM optioned the biography upon which this film is based ("Arbus") in 1984 as a possible starring vehicle for Diane Keaton.
Director Steven Shainberg's uncle, Lawrence, was a close friend of Diane Arbus.
Robert Downey Jr. has a previous connection to the Arbus family. His father, filmmaker Robert Downey Sr. made Greaser's Palace (1972) starring Diane Arbus' ex-husband Allan, with young Robert in a small part.