Why would the producers get so involved in a $5M movie?
So apparently the producers got their hands into the movie and essentially fired the director, recutting the movie into what they wanted.
The budget for the movie was $5M.
When you pay $5M for a great director, his screenplay, and a top-name star, why would you shove your hands into it? Leave it alone and let it be whatever Schrader wants it to be - with good marketing you should make your money back on his and Cage's names alone.
I'm guessing the meddling was more about a measuring contest than actual concern about the movie. They wanted some changes, Schrader pushed back, and it turned into "RESPECT MAH AUTHORITEH!!!!"
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Philo's Law: To learn from your mistakes, you have to realize you're making mistakes.