There was an interesting story in the local paper a few days ago about the marketing strategt for this film. In short, the producers elected not to go with a "universal opening" (everywhere simultaneously)in part because of the anticipated controversiality, but also cost, and their view that it is "word of mouth" that will best sell the film. There is presently a goodly bit of Oscar buzz, which may just be another facet of the marketing strategy. There are films that I find repugnant, mostly of the blood-&-guts-all-over-the-place-multiple-murder-variety, but there are apparently enough people who do like them that they keep making them. I guess that';s part of the price we pay for living in what we still think of as a mostly free society.