When asked why a film about such a quintessentially Spanish artist was made in English, the director replied "I don't speak Spanish."
Milos Forman cast Natalie Portman after noticing her likeness to the girl in Goya's painting "Milkmaid of Bordeaux".
The orange long-sleeved gown with accordion-pleat trim on the over-sleeves worn by an extra in the square at the end of the film is the same costume worn by an extra in the Pump Room when Anne talks with Mr. Elliot in Persuasion (2007) (TV), by Lady Willoughby when she meets Lady Russell in the Pump Room in Persuasion (1995), and by the dance teacher during the fan-language lesson in "The Regency House Party" (2004).
The tan and brown print satin pelisse worn an extra during the French invasion is the same costume worn by Anna Chancellor (Mrs. Peake) when she comes to the Worrall's house in Princess Caraboo (1994), by Sheila Gish (Mrs. Norris) to Maria's wedding in Mansfield Park (1999), and by an extra in the first church scene in Miss Austen Regrets (2008) (TV).