There is no question that Jared Leto completely immersed himself into this role and did a fine job. There is no question that Lindsay Lohan proves once again (small role that it is) that she is a terrific actress and, should she be able to get her act together, could be around a long time and do more great work. Finally, there was some remarkable detail in both location and wardrobe making this look and feel like the early 1980's New York.
BUT, did we really learn ANYTHING? Even the details I may not have been aware of left me asking, "So?" And was it really necessary to cast a guy named MARK Linsay CHAPMAN in the John Lennon role??? It seems like a slap in the face to Lennon and his family, especially since they choose to never show the actor clearly. He didn't even look like Lennon in the album photo! ANY actor could have played this part, and certainly many actors resemble Lennon more than this guy. It was just insensitive to use him and made the entire project seem less credible.
The entire film was filled with sadness and dread. If that was the only feeling or point that the filmmakers were trying to make, then well done. But nothing was particularly interesting about this guy, and nothing was even remotely redeeming about him. Not his illness. Not his attempts to go elsewhere with someone. Nothing. It really was a shame as what should have been a Career Performance by Leto seems rather self-indulgent in the end.
BUT, did we really learn ANYTHING? Even the details I may not have been aware of left me asking, "So?" And was it really necessary to cast a guy named MARK Linsay CHAPMAN in the John Lennon role??? It seems like a slap in the face to Lennon and his family, especially since they choose to never show the actor clearly. He didn't even look like Lennon in the album photo! ANY actor could have played this part, and certainly many actors resemble Lennon more than this guy. It was just insensitive to use him and made the entire project seem less credible.
The entire film was filled with sadness and dread. If that was the only feeling or point that the filmmakers were trying to make, then well done. But nothing was particularly interesting about this guy, and nothing was even remotely redeeming about him. Not his illness. Not his attempts to go elsewhere with someone. Nothing. It really was a shame as what should have been a Career Performance by Leto seems rather self-indulgent in the end.