There were a number of differences in the story and facts between the adaptation and the novel. The BMW that was given in the book was replaced by a Mercedes in the film and Tom Cruise walked away with it at the end. It was not certain that Tom Cruise was perfect for the role as the lawyer in the novel is supposed to be taller.

In the end of the movie version the character of Mitch and his wife are seen driving away where as in the novel they are enjoying life in the Caribbean. The matter of Mitch's infidelity is also dealt with in a different manner in the film than it is in the novel.

In the novel the character of Mitch McDeere is far darker and he continues his affair till the very end whereas in the movie, perhaps because Tom Cruise wanted to keep a clean image, Mitch confesses his transgressions to his wife.