The Killing of John Lennon

The Killing of John Lennon

Year: 2008

Runtime: 114 min

Language: English

Director: Andrew Piddington

DramaCrime

A disturbing look at the events leading up to John Lennon's death, the film explores the mindset of Mark David Chapman, a troubled fan consumed by obsession. Through a gritty and immersive style, it delves into Chapman's descent into madness and the loneliness that fueled his twisted fixation. The story culminates in the tragic moment outside the Dakota apartment in 1980, examining the dark side of celebrity and the devastating consequences of unchecked obsession.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Killing of John Lennon (2008)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Killing of John Lennon (2008). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

October - December 1980

The events unfold during the late 1970s and early 1980s, a period marked by cultural upheaval and the prominence of rock music. Society was grappling with changing values, reflected in popular literature and the lives of public figures like **John Lennon**. This time frame culminates in the shocking assassination of an icon, an event that resonated across the globe.

Location

Hawaii, New York City, Dakota Hotel

Hawaii serves as the backdrop for **Mark Chapman's** initial feelings of alienation, reflecting his inner turmoil despite its serene landscapes. New York City becomes a central location as **Chapman** travels there to confront **John Lennon**, embodying the chaotic pulse of urban life. The Dakota Hotel is an iconic landmark known for its distinctive architecture and as the residence of **Lennon**, ultimately becoming the site of the tragic event.

🏝️ Hawaii 🌆 New York

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:16

Main Characters – The Killing of John Lennon (2008)

Meet the key characters of The Killing of John Lennon (2008), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Mark Chapman (Jonas Ball)

**Mark Chapman** is depicted as a profoundly troubled individual whose descent into obsession leads to devastating consequences. Initially struggling with feelings of isolation in Hawaii, his fixation on *The Catcher in the Rye* and **John Lennon** reveals deep-seated psychological issues. His character arc illustrates the tragic impacts of alienation and the perilous nature of obsession.

🧠 Mental Health 😞 Alienation 🔫 Violence

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:16

Major Themes – The Killing of John Lennon (2008)

Explore the central themes of The Killing of John Lennon (2008), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧠 Obsession

The theme of obsession is critical to understanding **Mark Chapman's** psyche as he becomes consumed by his fixation on **John Lennon** and *The Catcher in the Rye*. His identification with **Holden Caulfield** reveals his internal struggles and feelings of alienation. As his obsession grows, it drives him to commit an unspeakable act, showcasing the dark side of idolization and mental anguish.

😔 Alienation

**Chapman**'s journey highlights the theme of alienation, emphasizing his disconnection from society, family, and friends. His search for meaning leads him through literature, yet ultimately into darkness. This theme resonates with many individuals grappling with similar feelings, making his tragic story a cautionary tale about the need for human connection.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:16

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

True Crime Obsession Stories like The Killing of John Lennon

Gripping stories of troubled individuals unraveling into real-life crimes.Explore a collection of gripping movies like The Killing of John Lennon that focus on the psychology of real-life criminals. If you were fascinated by the disturbing and immersive study of obsession leading to a tragic crime, these films offer similar deep dives into infamous figures and their troubled minds.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically follow a downward spiral, chronicling a character's increasing alienation and fixation on a person or idea. The story is driven by internal psychological conflict rather than external action, building a steady, almost inevitable momentum towards a known, tragic conclusion.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the 'why' behind a real crime. They prioritize psychological immersion over action, creating a heavy, unsettling atmosphere rooted in the grim reality of human behavior and mental illness.

Slow Burn Character Breakdowns like in The Killing of John Lennon

Unsettling journeys into a single character's disintegrating psyche.Discover movies with a similar slow-burn, psychological focus to The Killing of John Lennon. If you appreciated the methodical and immersive portrayal of a lonely individual's descent into obsession and madness, these films offer comparable studies of internal collapse and heavy, tragic conclusions.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern is a focused, linear descent. It hinges on a single point-of-view, immersing the audience in the character's distorted reality. The conflict is internal, with the outside world often serving as a catalyst for the protagonist's increasing alienation and fixation.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their immersive, patient approach to depicting psychological collapse. They share a dark tone, steady pacing, and a heavy emotional weight, prioritizing character study over plot twists to create a deeply unsettling and somber experience.

Unlock the Full Story of The Killing of John Lennon

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Killing of John Lennon in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Killing of John Lennon is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Killing of John Lennon Summary

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The Killing of John Lennon Summary

The Killing of John Lennon Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Killing of John Lennon with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Killing of John Lennon Timeline

The Killing of John Lennon Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Killing of John Lennon Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Killing of John Lennon

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