Rex Reed gave the film a positive review writing, " Even if you are only moderately curious about the events that led up to the pointless death of a musical icon, I think you'll find it a film of arm-twisting fascination . " He praised Leto calling him unforgettable and writing, " it is the pulverizing concentration and almost somnambulistic intensity of Jared Leto that gives the film its life and pulse . " Owen Gleiberman of " Entertainment Weekly " gave the film a B saying, " " Chapter 27 " is far from flawless, but Leto disappears inside this angry, mouth-breathing psycho geek with a conviction that had me hanging on his every delusion . " Joe Neumaier of the " New York Daily News " described " Chapter 27 " as " a claustrophobic drama that gets uncomfortably into the head of Mark David Chapman, " and praised Leto saying, " Leto's drawling, blotchy, creepy performance sets it apart ."
