I only follow films peripherally, since I'm not able to watch them, but I recall a lot of positive press about PR, not to mention bonus articles on the career trajectory of the director, so I'm not sure it's a classic flop.

My rudimentary understanding was that it was a good film, although not a conventional blockbuster (and domestic gross suggests the same?). Maybe it'll get a nod in the technical categories come Oscar season?

Wasn't the release date around the time of the Zimmerman trial? For some reason, I seem to recall thinking "oh, that sounds like an awesome film" but being distracted by the news. Or my memory is shit, which is probably more likely.