In an interesting turn of events, The Weinstein Co. has moved Paul Thomas Anderson‘s The Master from its October 12 release date to a limited September 14 release and expanding wide on the 21st. That date places its release during the final Friday of the Toronto International Film Festival.
The decision leads me to believe the film may actually find its way into the Toronto lineup as a late entry or premiere at Telluride. Either way, it does offer a bit of a shake up.
Additionally, the move means the studio has moved Andrew Dominik‘s Killing Them Softly from September 21 to October 19. I was able to see the film in Cannes this year and quite enjoyed it and would say it is still one of the best films I’ve seen all year.
Both films are likely Oscar contenders with The Master as one of several early favorites for a Best Picture nod, which means the Weinstein’s decision to play it so early in the season is a rather bold move.
[via Jeff Sneider]
