The books that 'Bruce-Karl' are carrying are all from Director Christopher Butturff's personal collection: 'Urshurak' by The Brothers Hildebrandt, 'Jerry Seinfeld: Sein Language' by Jerry Seinfeld, 'Lost In The Funhouse: The Life and Mind of Andy Kaufman' by Bill Zehme, 'Marilyn Monroe; An Appreciation' by Eve Arnold, and 'A Christmas Story Treasury' by Tyler Schwartz (a book "on Christmas," like Karl describes in his bundle in "Sling Blade")
In the scene with 'Bruce-Karl' and 'Vicki Vale' sitting and talking on the couch, a picture of Marilyn Monroe is seen on the mantle in the background. This is a reference to the fact that the character of 'Vicki Vale' was based on Marilyn Monroe.
When the 'Criminal' is seen hanging over the fire escape, this scene was accomplished by simply hanging a dummy over the side dressed in jeans and boots. The closeup scenes are of the actual actor leaning out, four stories above the ground, and were filmed months apart.