Many of the scenes in the forest are allusions to or recreations of scenes in the Björk music video "Human Behavior", also directed by Michel Gondry.
'Steven Soderbergh ' was first interested in directing Charlie Kaufman's script back in late 1996, when Kaufman was still trying to get Being John Malkovich (1999) produced. Soderbergh's considerations for casting were for 'David Hyde Pierce ' in the role of Nathan Bronfman, 'Chris Kattan ' in the role of Puff (likely due to his character Mr. Peepers on Saturday Night Live at the time), and 'Marisa Tomei ' in the role of Lila Jute. He was about to go into pre-production when he was offered Out of Sight (1998) and after much deliberation he left the project.
The studio originally wanted Spike Jonze to direct the film because of the success of Being John Malkovich (1999). He considered it, but opted to produce, and suggested Michel Gondry, instead.
Puff:
Mother...
Nathan's Mother:
Yes, Derek?
Puff:
It's a pleasure to meet you mother, but I'm an ape, like dad was, and I have to go back into the woods now... forever.
Gabrielle:
You must choose. It is like that movie "Sofie's Choice" only it is Nathan's choice. Do you know that movie, "Sofie's Choice"? It is like that. Only it is this.
Nathan Bronfman:
Remember, when in doubt, don't ever do what you really want to do.
Lila Jute:
That's the key.
Puff:
Apes don't assasinate their presidents, gentlemen!
Nathan Bronfman:
What is love anyway? From my new vantage point, I realize that love is nothing more than a messy conglomeration of need, desperation, fear of death and insecurity about penis size.
Puff:
Words are evil!
Puff:
I'm an ape, mother. Apes don't drop lines.
References
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Mon oncle d'Amérique (1980)
The Elephant Man (1980)
Sophie's Choice (1982)
Splash (1984)
A Fish Called Wanda (1988)
Spoofs
Peter Pan (1960) (TV)