Well, the movie bombed in American theaters because of many things.

For one, the 145 minute edit which really was like cutting an almost perfect square burger, then cutting the corners off into a decent if less-satisfying traditional circle burger.

Second, the advertizing was horrid. Inbetween the pussy rock, we had a trailer that almost made it look it GLADIATOR FIGHTS THE TWO TOWERS or some silly shit. Obviously, people expecting such a thing were sorely disapointed.

I'm not trying to excuse for its non-success in theaters, but those two reasons I'm sure explain a good part of why it was a dud. Though really guys, you have no idea how improved it is with the director's cut.....