[1] Lehtinen has said that the protagonist, Helge Wasenius, was his neighbour and childhood hero.

When he started planning the film, an image of Wasenius hanging by his feet from the ten-meter diving tower of Helsinki Swimming Stadium was embedded in his head.

Lehtinen has said he was inspired by Herb Ritts’ photographs of divers more than Riefensthal.

[2] Variety International Film Guide wrote following about the film: "A thoughtful voiceover and a skilful blend of archive and dramatised footage create a meditative mood, emphasised by touches of ambient music, giving the spectator space to reflect on his own emotions".

[3] The Diver won the Grand Prix and other main prizes at the Tampere Film Festival 2001.