David Lynch is about to join the ranks of crazy-ass directors exploring alternative methods of movie distribution. He's shunning the usual studio system in favor of a deal with French producer Studio Canal that'll allow him to self-distribute his three-hour movie Inland Empire.

Lynch and his people are all hyper about what they're calling a "new model of distribution". Exactly what that new model is seems a little unclear. The Hollywood Reporter quotes producer Mary Sweeney as saying the plan will include theatrical, home video, and online venues; but I'm not sure when dropping stuff on VHS tapes and DVDs for home video delivery became "new".

Maybe they're talking about simultaneous online/theatrical/dvd release, a la Soderbergh's quickly forgotten movie Bubble. I think they're still calling that a success over at Magnolia Pictures, but since no one actually saw Bubble in disinclined to agree.

What is certain is that this is bound to give Lynch more control over his films. Whether or not that's a good thing, I leave to you dear reader. But if you thought Lynch's films were trippy before, just wait till you see them when he's unfettered by the demands of big studio distributors.

Inland Empire for instance, is a movie about relationship betrayals with musical dance sequences, dramatic interludes, sitcom family skits featuring people with rabbit heads, and Polish dialogue.