I gave it a 9. The satire was spot on and pulling together current issues to the early 1930's is just fantastically done. I believe this movie is going to be one of those cult classics, underrated at first but recognized as a classic work eventually.

The low ratings seem to come from people that don't understand satire and the movie would fly over their heads. The script is laced with references to the early 1930's fascist movement in the USA, and they are just dropped into the story so nonchalantly unless you know US history between WWI and WWII, particularly the efforts by the American Bund (US Nazis), most of the references would be missed. For example, the giant George Washington portrait is a direct snub to the American Bund. There were 32 Americans arrested for espionage, largest in American history, for trying to establish a dictatorship. There were rumors that they approached at least two generals. One semi portrayed here fantastically by DeNiro. The attempt to appeal to veterans, hoping they would turn on their Oath to the Constitution, happened also. Honestly, just writing this I want to watch again to be able to point out so many of the references that were placed into the story. Just a fantastic script.

The low ratings are most likely because it is satire. Satire usually flies over the heads of dumber people and we seem to be at a juncture where idiots reign supreme. But it's extremely well acted and directed. I felt they did a wonderful job of capturing the 1930's feel in the way it was written, acted and directed. I thought the camera positioning could've been a bit more Orsen Welles style in a few scenes. But just fantastic overall.