The Killing of John Lennon

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this grim drama isn't for kids (who probably won't be interested anyway). It focuses on the deterioration of John Lennon assassin Mark David Chapman's mind, and there's a lot of discussion about the murder as he plans it, as well as images of guns, bullets, and shooting practice. Lennon's actual death is especially hectic and harsh. In his hotel room, Chapman overhears two men kissing (they're then shown embracing); he imagines shooting them, calling them "homos." Other language includes "f--k" and "s--t."

Sexual Content

Some brief cleavage shots. Chapman's mother flirts with a young man (she leans close and giggles). Two men kiss and embrace (Chapman listens in from the next room and becomes upset, calling them "homos").

Violence

The film leads to Lennon's assassination, which it foreshadows repeatedly with images of guns, bullets, and jarring camera movements. A character repeats the phrase "bang bang" while forming a gun with his fingers, pointed at the camera. Chapman describes his father's abuse and at one point slams furniture in his room. Scenes from Raging Bull show boxing. Chapman imagines shooting a man through a wall, then bursting into the man's room and shooting him and his male lover (loud, close-up gunfire). Chapman buys a gun, practices aiming at people outside his window, and eventually takes it to shoot Lennon on the sidewalk (Yoko screams in the background, Lennon falls in slow motion, blood spurting). Chapman describes his suicidal thoughts to a doctor.

Language

Two uses of "f--k," plus a couple of "hells" and one "s--t."

Social Behavior

Chapman is increasingly disturbed, his anger and loneliness clear in his monologues. He plans to kill Lennon throughout the film and doesn't regret the murder when it happens.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Chapman appears drunk -- he holds a bottle in a paper bag, and the images on screen get blurry to indicate his impaired vision.

This information for parents is provided by Common Sense Media, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving kids' media lives.

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