The Coens Go Beyond Final Cut

Well, congratulations to those Coen brothers - they seem to be getting just what they want with No Country for Old Men. According to Variety, the worldwide distribution plans for the film have shifted quite dramatically. You don't really need to know the details, just that this was done at the request of the Coens.

Essentially, the original plan was for the film to be released in August in the US. The brothers dissented, wanting a later release - and they got their way. Even though it meant a shuffle of paperwork, plans and presumably dollars between the film's distribution partners, Paramount Vantage and Miramax.

Most directors don't even battle for final cut; the famous few do; the Coens have gone beyond this and their wishes are governing the film's global distribution pattern. Of course, if it backfires financially, I dare say they'll be made scapegoats.