Review of Chapter 27 (2007) by Alexander N — 07 Feb 2009

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Chapter 27 written and directed by J.P. Schaefer.

Off the shelves of the new wave independent film movement, [I]Chapter 27[/I] is the compelling story of Mark David Chapman's three days in New York City before committing the murder of pop star John Lennon.

Writer and director J.P. Schaefer mixes elements of post modernism and documentary style film making in order to reveal the insane and deranged thoughts that circulated through Chapman's head.

Schaefer plays with the linear structure of the film to emphasize Chapman?s obsession with the novel The Catcher In the Rye and his attempt to live out the life of, main character, Holden Caulfield.

Jared Leto plays Chapman. Leto is no stranger to the independent film making landscape and his experience helps carry the film (for all of those who had to go through the same horror as I did, Leto played Harry Goldfarb in the film [I]Requiem for a Dream[/I]). Leto had to gain 62 pounds and altered his voice to appear as fearful as the child in [I]The Shining[/I] (When that kid repeated the words Red Rum, I was off to the bathroom trying to hold in a s**t that was about to let loose all over my pants) as he narrates the film.

Lindsay Lohan plays the character of Jude, an avid Lennon fan that Chapman befriends outside of Lennon's humble abode, Manhattan's famous apartment building, the Dakota.

Lohan's performance was poor and it would have been more entertaining to watch a video of her blowing cocaine all night. However, characters are secondary in this film. It is the true accounts of the pain and suffering that a troubled Chapman went through leading up to the murder that keep the viewer at the edge of his or her seat.

Even though we all know the outcome, it is interesting to see how one man can turn the feelings of obsession into fear and loathing.

If you?re looking for excitement, look elsewhere. If you?re a fan of John Lennon and the Beatles, this is definitely the film for you.

If your a conspiracy theorist who believes that the government killed John Lennon, well then, you'll probably think this film was created by the government...paranoid f@*ks!

Review by Alexander Napoliello.