Now playing in theaters across the country from IFC Films and Shudder is the twisted film, The Rule of Jenny Pen.
The film stars veteran actors John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush.
Arrogant Judge Stefan Mortensen (Rush) suffers a near-fatal stroke, leaving him partially paralyzed and confined to a retirement home. Resistant to the staff and distant from his friendly roommate, Mortensen soon clashes with seemingly gentle resident Dave Crealy (Lithgow) who secretly terrorizes the home with a sadistic game called “The Rule of Jenny Pen” while wielding his dementia doll as an instrument of cruelty. What begins as childish torment quickly escalates into far more sinister and disturbing incidents. When Mortensen’s pleas to the staff go unanswered, he takes it upon himself to put an end to Crealy’s reign of terror.
When I saw the trailer for the film (see below), I had a feeling this would be a creepy film. I was right. It IS a very weird and creepy film. Very strange.
I have seen John Lithgow play some really unhinged characters (Dr. Nix in Raising Cain and Earl Blake in Ricochet for example), but his character of Dave Crealy in The Rule of Jenny Pen is by far the weirdest, craziest, most disturbing character yet. John Lithgow has proven himself to be a versatile actor, but it blows my mind just how terrifying he can be in this film.
Dave Clearly IS a psychopath for sure. I also think he truly believes in the motto;
We don’t stop playing because you get old. We get old because you stop playing – George Bernard Shaw
I’m guessing in his sick mind everything he does with “Jenny” is all just a big game to him, no matter how sick and twisted it might be.
I’m equally impressed by Geoffrey Rush. He’s an equally as versatile of an actor. He played the role of the tormented Judge Mortensen perfectly. It’s as if the role was specifically written with him in mind.
I felt bad for his character. I can’t imagine wanting so desperately to overcome a stroke without realizing you’ll never be able to go back to your old life. That is not only sad, but scary. I worry about stuff like that for myself.
The cinematography also shines in this film. From it’s use of close-ups, strange angles and even the image flipping upside down, it all lends it’s self to the eeriness and sense of dread in this film. Also, the use of lighting plays a significant part. It’s never a beautiful, sunny day. Instead the sky always appears gray and overcast.
All the elder actors did a fine job in this film too. I can’t imagine how strange it would feel to play the role of someone with severe dementia.
Aside from thinking this is by far the weirdest movie I have seen in a long time, it’s also very sad. My heart went out to the residents of the nursing home. Many of them have major health problems with dementia seeming to be one of the biggest issues. I also felt sad that all the residents did was sit there and “vegetate.” The nursing home staff did try to find ways to entertain them by bringing in outside acts, but for the most part the residents just sat there or stared blankly at the television.
Having been in nursing homes before, I can testify that the sad reality is that many nursing homes are like that. NOT ALL, but there are many that just leave their residents to sit there and “rot” for the most part. As a society we should have more respect for our elders and treat them in a kind and fair manner. But that’s something for another post.
The use of the therapy doll puppet with it’s eyes removed was also very effective. I happen to have a doll similar in looks (an actual doll, not a puppet). I don’t think I’ll be able to look at it the same way again. Ha Ha.
The crimes Crealy inflicts on the residents are cruel and unsettling. Many movie viewers will find them disturbing and difficult to watch. From pouring urine on someone to forcing people to “lick” the “behind” of the doll, it just seemed a bit over-the-top at times.
I also could have done without seeing John Lithgow’s naked behind, and a nearly naked shot of Geoffrey Rush. But I guess they felt it would fit in with the rest of the film.
The ending was a wee bit predictable, but not too much. I had a general idea of how it would end, I just didn’t know by what means.
If you are interested in checking out The Rule of Jenny Pen, you can find it at a theater near you.
Be sure to follow IFC Films and Shudder on social media to keep up-to-date on new movie releases.
Below is the film’s trailer for your entertainment.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener link in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
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