Review of The Killing of John Lennon (2007) by Jason C — 19 Oct 2010

Wow, too soon, I guess. I thought it was a pretty cool movie and was quite surprised to see so many haters out there. Mostly, they are upset that a movie was made about Chapman, furthering the fame he gained by killing Lennon. Hard to argue there, but I consider myself a pretty big Lennon fan (the man, not necessarily the music...but Imagine probably has the greatest lyrics ever written), and this was a way to learn more about the assassination. It almost plays like a documentary with impressive acting and a great nostalgic feel.

Ball is a newcomer and fantastic as the eccentric Chapman. The story is told through the eyes of Chapman via his diary and other resources. Sure, it perpetuates his fame some, but I thought it was well done and informative. I seriously doubt anyone will change their mind about Chapman. The movie clearly paints him as crazy and murderous, and it's not the first movie to focus on a murderer. Jesus, how many Manson movies are out there??

Beyond the movie, it is amazing we, the celebrity-obsessed culture, do not see a whole lot of this in 2010. America is full of nobodies worshipping so-called somebodies. There is no other way for these people to ever be associated with the celebrity/gain fame than to kill them. It's a good thing we don't see it, and I hope it never gets that bad, but I think it strange more people don't try it. Maybe there's room for optimism in the race, after all.

Finally, assasination movies can be pretty good. Jared Leto evidently plays in an even better Chapter 27 which I will have to rent. Taxi Driver comes to mind and is a classic. An overlooked film is Sean Penn in The Assassination of Richard Nixon. Despite the hate, this one goes down as a pretty good assassin movie as well.