Leto is a cinematic chameleon. He’s done it all – dimish high schooler on TVs My So-Called Life, ambitious waif-sized athlete in Prefontaine, smug businessman in American Psycho, conflicted criminal in Panic Room, and most recently a serial killer in Lonely Hearts.
And every time, he’s believable. Every time.
He’s
the type of actor that’ll go to great lengths to convince an audience
that he’s left his body and the character he’s playing in any given
film is occupying it for the next two hours or so.
In Chapter 27, Leto plays…. Sorry, is…. Mark David Chapman (a.k.a Holden Caulfield), the man who murdered John Lennon.
The
young actor’s performance is truly a marvel. It’s an under-the-radar
(because he isn’t quite of the calibre of Tom Hanks or Jim Carrey,
you’ll probably never hear a lot about the effort he put into the part)
performance that’s undeniably one of the most impressive turns, not
only of his career, but also in recent film history.
With an
added 70 pounds to his frame (not something a good-looking young actor
would normally be happy to do) and a truly unnerving cocktail of creepy
mannerisms and vacant stares, he’s the movie’s golden ticket.
The
film chronicles the three days leading up to the murder of musician
John Lennon in New York City. Chapman, a chronic liar who tells people
he’s just got off the plane from Hawaii, arrives in town with a plan.
At first, he seemingly only wants to meet the former Beatle
– along with a bunch of other fans, one played by Lindsay Lohan, camped
outside his apartment - and get an autograph. By the day, the frumpy
loser gets more frustrated though and is seemingly starting to hear
'voices'. By the third day of his stay in New York, Chapman tells
himself that it’s his duty to take out John Lennon.
As is
usually the case with these 'actor-makes-an-incredible-transformation'
movies, the film itself lets its headline act down. Chapter 27
is interesting and at only 84 mins its easy to endure, but its all a
bit under whelming. We don’t learn much at all about Chapman himself,
and even with the short running time, the film still feels too languid.
All
in all, Leto’s inspired performance is let down by a filmmaker’s
uninspired turn behind the megaphone and a hasty hand between the
typewriter.
DVD EXTRAS with Sean Lynch
Not
much on offer this time around. The flick didn't see the light of day
at Australian cinemas, so it's not hard to understand why little effort
has been put in here.
However, for those interested, there is a fairly interesting "Making of Chapter 27" featurette which, unlike most "Making of" extras, is actually pretty enthralling.
There
is also a theatrical trailer thrown on for good measure as well, but if
it's extras you are after - you've come to the wrong place.
Conclusion:
Movie 65% Extras: 50%
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