John Lithgow Says New His Horror Movie Is "The Best Film Ever Made" About Senior Communities

The Rule of Jenny Penis first and foremost a claustrophobic horror movie from filmmaker James Ashcroft, but in star John Lithgow’s eyes, it’s also a commentary on the way the elderly are treated in society. Based on Owen Marshall's short story, the movie follows a New Zealand judge named Stefan Mortensen (played by Geoffrey Rush), who is sent to a retirement facility after suffering a stroke that leaves him wheelchair bound. That is only the start of his troubles, though, as resident Dave Crealy (Lithgow) and his creepy baby doll companion make life a nightmare for him.

While the premise is outlandish, The Rule of Jenny Pen is rooted in a certain respect for reality. Ashcroft’s wife works with senior care facilities that have been passed down from her parents, Lithgow revealed to ScreenRant, a fact that nudged the director “to treat the subject of old age in a senior community very seriously with great dignity.“ Another exciting aspect is the casting of older New Zealand actors, whose talent has yet to be introduced to a more global audience.

ScreenRant interviewed Lithgow and Rush about their unique experience on The Rule of Jenny Pen, which was heightened by it being their first onscreen reunion in 20 years. The actors reminisced about The Life and Death of Peter Sellers while also uncovering new and exciting layers in their new horror movie. Last but not least, Lithgow explained why he agreed to play Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter reboot series.

John Lithgow Praises Director James Ashcroft’s Approach To The Rule Of Jenny Pen’s Difficult Material

“He Makes His Films With Very Serious And Deeply Felt Intent”

Ashcroft has spoken about his fascination with bullying, and how it takes place far beyond the confines of school and educational institutions. Rush revealed that he had conversations with the filmmaker about that theme from the first Zoom meeting. “James explained that he has a very young family and has seen how bullying so permeates institutions, schools, life, and relationships,” the actor detailed. “He's very intrigued by that and the genre heritage [of horror].”

Lithgow was passionate about adding to Ashcroft’s praise, especially when it came to how he changes up the heritage of the horror genre. “James makes his films with very, very serious and deeply felt intent,” he said, describing how Ashcroft’s wife runs a company that owns four senior care facility institutions.

He wanted to treat the subject of old age in a senior community very seriously with great dignity.

The venerated actor was effusive about The Rule of Jenny Pen and Ashcroft’s approach to it. “He wanted to treat the subject of old age in a senior community very seriously with great dignity, great feeling and compassion. I think arguably this is the best film ever made about that world.” It’s not just the screenplay (which Ashcroft also co-wrote with Eli Kent) that he felt contributed, but also the casting. “It's played by all these absolutely beautiful actors, almost all of whom were over 80 years old, but all had 50-year-old careers in New Zealand theater.”

Geoffrey Rush Reflects On His Rule Of Jenny Pen Character

The Actors Also Recall Their Last Movie Together, The Life And Death Of Peter Sellers

Though Rush did not consider his character arrogant, he did acknowledge that he opens the movie “absolutely entrenched in the world of legal procedure and ethical behavior, and he's a tough judge.” Once he becomes partially paralyzed and must rely on a facility for his care, he has to deal with his restricted mobility, which was a challenge for him as an actor as well as for the character. “The challenge for me was the restriction of being constantly in a wheelchair, where I had five gears,” the actor explained.”

There were five things with my good arm for speed, and I spent quite a lot of time getting skillful at that. It gave me a shorthand with the director. “Is this a level 1 scene, or is this a French Connection number 5, where the wheelchair could get up to quite a pace?” There was a gaffe reel at the end of the shoot that demonstrated how incapable I was at maneuvering that vehicle, running into people every day. James Ashcroft would be running up the camera operator because I was out of control, careening towards the lens.

Lithgow added that Stefan goes through a very dynamic character arc as the movie progresses. “You see this wonderful discovery of kindness [after] his long, terrible sojourn through the psychological minefield that Dave Crealy has set for him.” The actor attributed much of his costar’s “beautiful compassion” to the character of Tony Garfield, played by Maori actor George Henare. As Stefan’s roommate, he has a large role to play in his development – as well as in his ability to make it through the torture Dave visits upon him.

Jenny Pen doll looking angry and John Lithgow's Dave looking through a doorway in The Rule of Jenny Pen

The Rule Of Jenny Pen Review: I Felt Claustrophobic Watching John Lithgow's Delightfully Terrifying Turn In Unpredictable Thriller

James Ashcroft's The Rule of Jenny Pen stays aloft with its unpredictable plot and John Lithgow's performance.

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If the duo sound overly fond of each other, it’s because they have a long history that dates back 20 years, when they appeared in The Life and Death of Peter Sellers together. Lithgow recalled meeting Rush, explaining that “He immediately took me into his room and showed me about 45 minutes of extraordinary footage of Peter Sellers doing a hundred different things. He was already deep, deep in research.” Lithgow remembered his first impression: "Wow, this is my kind of actor. Someone is so passionate about the work, takes it so seriously, and yet has such fun with it."

It's exactly what you hope for in your acting career, to work again with people you had a great time with, but to do something completely different this time around. I had a small role in Peter Sellers, and Geoffrey had an enormous role, so I sort of dropped in and gave him moral support. I was just thrilled when we ended up doing a real double act together on this one, with horror as the intent rather than Peter Sellers.

John Lithgow Is Prepared To Play Dumbledore For 7 Seasons Of Harry Potter

“It's Going To Define Me For The Last Chapter Of My Life”

Lithgow’s final answer came as a total surprise, when he acknowledged his casting as Dumbledore in HBO’s Harry Potter remake. The actor revealed how the offer came. “I just got the phone call up at the Sundance Film Festival for yet another film, and it was not an easy decision because it's going to define me for the last chapter of my life, I'm afraid.” Nevertheless, he expressed his excitement, especially due to the people he will be working with (many of which we don’t know about yet). “Some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter.”

Of course, the show is set to film for seven seasons, which Lithgow had to think about before agreeing. “That's why it's been such a hard decision. I'll be about 87 years old at the wrap party,” he laughed. “But I've said yes.” Fans still hold Richard Harris and Michael Gambon in their hearts, but I for one can’t wait to see how John Lithgow makes Dumbledore his own.

The Rule of Jenny Pen is now playing in theaters.

Source: Screen Rant Plus