Watch Chapter 27
- R
- 2008
- 1 hr 24 min
-
5.6 (11,684)
Chapter 27 is a chilling psychological drama film directed by Jarrett Schaefer and starring Jared Leto, Lindsay Lohan, and Judah Friedlander. The movie is set in December 1980, in New York City, where Mark David Chapman, the protagonist, is eagerly waiting for the arrival of his celebrity obsession, John Lennon. Chapman is portrayed as a lonely and delusional man who struggles with depression, schizophrenia, and an unhealthy fascination with J.D. Salinger's book, "The Catcher in the Rye."
The film opens with Chapman arriving in New York City, a city he views as hostile and evil, as he wanders the streets of New York City, we see the depth of his mental illness. He believes that the city is out to get him, and that he should just leave and go back home. The film then jumps forward a few days, where we see Chapman still wandering the streets, clutching a copy of "The Catcher in the Rye" and talking to himself. He then checks into the YMCA and prepares for his planned attack on John Lennon. As the countdown to Lennon's arrival at the Dakota building approaches, Chapman spends his time trying to convince himself that this is the right thing to do.
Throughout the movie, we see the lines between reality and delusion blur, as Chapman struggles with his demons. This is especially apparent in his conversations with a fictional character called "Jude" played by Lindsay Lohan. Chapman's human interactions, such as his confrontation with a cab driver, exhibit his profound social awkwardness, and he even imagines an encounter with John Lennon where he is forced to face the reality of his actions.
Jared Leto delivers a very convincing performance as Mark David Chapman, portraying his descent into madness with complete comprehensibility. His portrayal of the character's mental and emotional struggles is nothing short of extraordinary. He successfully portrays this deeply disturbed individual, making him appear pitiful, pathetic, and repulsive at the same time. Lindsay Lohan's portrayal of the fictional character of Jude is also striking, helping to demonstrate the real-world impact of Chapman's deeply held delusions. Her presence is a critical element in the film, providing context for Chapman's actions and bringing a sense of reality to the surreal picture of his mind.
Visually, the movie stands out for its gritty, almost documentary-like portrayal of New York City in the 1980s. The use of music, including John Lennon's songs, further adds to the realism of the film. The soundtrack serves as a constant reminder of Chapman's obsession with John Lennon and the role it played in his actions.
Chapter 27 is a thought-provoking and challenging film about mental illness, obsession, and the dark side of fandom. It provides a sensitive portrayal of both the perpetrator and the victim of the infamous 1980 murder of John Lennon, forcing the audience to confront the realities of mental illness and the serious repercussions of unfulfilled dreams and expectations.
In conclusion, Chapter 27 is a haunting and piercing examination of one man's descent into madness and the motivations that drove him to commit one of the most infamous acts of celebrity stalking and murder in history. The movie is a well-written, well-acted, and hauntingly memorable portrayal of the dark side of human behavior that is sure to linger long after the credits have rolled. Although not an easy watch, the film is a masterpiece of psychological cinema, destined to leave a lasting impression on all those who watch it.
Chapter 27 is a 2008 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6 and a MetaScore of 32.