The question “where were you when you heard John Lennon was killed?” has been asked by millions of people all over the world since the legendary ex-Beatle and humanitarian was shot dead by Mark David Chapman on 8 December 1980.  

Set for DVD release by Momentum Pictures on 28 April 2008, CHAPTER 27 is first-time writer-director JP Schaefer’s own version of the reasons behind the killing.  An official selection at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, CHAPTER 27 stars Hollywood hot properties Jared Leto (Panic Room, Lord of War, Fight Club), who famously put on 67 pounds to play the part of Chapmen, and Lindsay Lohan (Mean Girls, Bobby), who shines as a hardcore Lennon fan.

Following the events leading up to the moment Chapman shot Lennon five times in the back after the singer had autographed an album cover for him, CHAPTER 27 is a play on JD Salinger’s classic novel The Catcher in the Rye, which ends on chapter 26.  Chapman related and modeled his life after the book’s main character Holden Caulfield, and it was the book he held onto at the time he infamously shot John Lennon.  Chapman claimed the book held the reasons behind the heinous act.  

Portraying Chapman’s mental collapse as his demons win over, CHAPTER 27 is shocking, thought-provoking and ultimately essential viewing for fans not only of the legendary musician, but anyone who want to know more about one of the twentieth century’s most talked about events.

CHAPTER 27 trivia:

•    To add the weight needed to play Chapman, Jared Leto told Jimmy Kimmel he put pints of chocolate Haagen Dazs ice cream in the microwave so he could drink them, with olive oil and soy sauce added “to get me bloated even more”.

•    We are told that John Lennon was living in the Manhatten building called The Dakota, where Rosemary’s Baby was filmed in 1968 – directed by Roman Polanski, whose pregnant wife, the actress Sharon Tate, was murdered in 1969.  The murderers were Charles Manson and his followers, who titled their death spree “Helter Skelter” after the 1968 song by The Beatles.

•    John Lennon is played in the film by actor Mark Lindsay Chapman.  

Release information:

Release Date:            28 April 2008          
Retail RRP:               £12.99               
Certificate:                 12               
Running Time:            80 mins               
Catalogue No:            MP626D              
Barcode:                   5060116721188          
DVD Extras:              Making of Chapter 27; Trailer