After its theatrical release, director Stockwell commented in an interview: "I feel a little badly that the Brazilians, mostly who haven't seen the movie, maybe they've seen the trailer, have been very upset about what they perceive the film's depiction of Brazil to be.
Following the movie's premiere, director Stockwell stated in an interview: "I am somewhat regretful that many Brazilians, who have not viewed the film but may have seen a preview, find its depiction of their country troubling."