A transformation of epic proportions.
Here’s a film about the days, hours and minutes leading up to the assassination of John Lennon by Mark David Chapman — and it is a particularly chilling film because of one rather special performance.
Jared Leto embodies the mind and body of this killer to such an extent that it simply demands to be compared to Robert De Niro’s effort in the 1980 classic, “Raging Bull”. It is the definition of commitment to the part.
The film lingers on the streets of New York as Chapman stalks the entrance to Lennon’s residence seeking an autograph. He mingles with fans, paparazzi and doormen as he awaits that one treasured moment. He even meets a young fan named Jude, played with careful restraint by Lindsay Lohan. And all the while, we are listening to his mumbling thoughts, fully aware of the final outcome that lays ahead.
“Chapter 27″ refers to the additional chapter in Chapman’s obsessional book, “Catcher in the Rye”. Watching this theoretical account, one cannot help but feel conditional chills. I am not sure how accurate this account may be. I am not sure that I will ever want to see the film again. However, it remains a quality piece of work because of Leto’s extraordinary portrayal… whether it be truthful or fictional.
