I didn't realise it was 2 and 3/4 hours long, and perhaps wasn't in the right mood, because I didn't really enjoy it. I felt bored most of the time, and I've watched and thoroughly enjoyed some long films (LotR extended editions, Das Boot, etc.).
Overblown, overlong, and poorly acted. Like many 'epics' of its ilk, the story is far too episodic to be involving.
Very disappointing, considering I like Brad Pitt and David Fincher (and I have no real issue with staring at Cate Blanchett for long periods of time either... )
It's clearly designed specifically to go for Oscar glory, and nothing else.