John Lithgow is a rare talent in the world of cinema, known for his ability to seamlessly transition between roles. From his heartfelt portrayal in Harry and the Hendersons to his fierce performances as a villain opposite Sylvester Stallone in Cliffhanger, Lithgow captivates audiences. He embodies a Machiavellian figure in Conclave and brings a quirky charm to his role in the sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun.
The common thread in Lithgow’s performances is his intense presence. Whether he plays a victim or a villain, he delivers a performance that leaves a lasting impact. In The Rule of Jenny Pen, Lithgow’s portrayal of Dave Crealy stands out as one of his most unsettling roles since Raising Cain.
The Rule of Jenny Pen features Geoffrey Rush as Stefan Mortensen, a critical judge in New Zealand who faces a life-altering event during a harsh reprimand of an abuse victim’s mother. His belief that she should have intervened is crucial to the unfolding narrative.
After suffering a stroke, Mortensen relocates to an assisted living facility, which is far from ideal. In a shocking and unrelated moment, he witnesses a fellow resident accidentally set himself on fire, highlighting the grim reality of aging—a central theme in The Rule of Jenny Pen.
Meanwhile, Dave Crealy, portrayed by Lithgow, wanders through the facility unnoticed, using a puppet named Jenny Pen to mask his true intentions. The residents, largely invisible to the staff, are treated with neglect, reminiscent of abandoned animals rather than human beings.
Crealy relishes his invisibility, using it to torment the other residents, indulging in his dark fantasies. His sinister questioning, “Who rules?” further humiliates his victims and amplifies the discomfort of the narrative.
In The Rule of Jenny Pen, Lithgow’s performance is not just chilling; it is deeply offensive. As Mortensen grapples with his moral superiority, Crealy serves as the perfect foil, exploiting Mortensen’s sense of self-worth and dignity.
Director James Ashcroft crafts a film that emphasizes the bleakness of the characters’ lives through its mundane settings. The film’s sporadic surreal elements reflect Mortensen’s psyche but are equally disturbing. The appearance of a giant doll’s head adds to the unsettling atmosphere.
Rush’s performance is a study in dignity as he navigates the chaos created by Lithgow’s Crealy. Throughout the film, Mortensen undergoes a transformation, showcasing the character’s gradual unraveling.
The Rule of Jenny Pen is a film that embraces its discomfort. It boldly confronts the themes of aging and the potential horrors that lie ahead, making viewers not only fear Lithgow’s character but also the uncertain future that awaits them.
