Geoffrey Rush on Battling John Lithgow (and His Twisted Hand Puppet) in Nursing Home Thriller ‘The Rule of Jenny Pen’: ‘It’s Like “The French Connection,” But in a Wheelchair’

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As Geoffrey Rush approached his mid-60s, he began to receive an increasing number of roles that emphasized his age. However, when he came across the script for “The Rule of Jenny Pen,” a chilling horror film set in a nursing home, he found a unique perspective.

In a different setting, actor Rush portrays Stefan Mortensen, a stern judge who experiences a stroke and needs to reside in an assisted living facility. Regrettably, one of the other residents is Dave Crealy, played by John Lithgow, who bullies the other residents with growing menace – aided by his hand puppet, Jenny Pen. With each passing day, Dave becomes bolder in committing heinous acts within the nursing home, while Stefan’s mental abilities deteriorate. As Stefan struggles to maintain control over his motor skills and fight back against his adversary, he must confront his nemesis before his own faculties are completely lost.

Over the past eight years, I’ve received numerous scripts that seemed to get me nowhere, according to the 73-year-old actor. However, this one stands out because his character’s mind deteriorates significantly, to the point where he doesn’t speak for the last 40 pages. I likened it to “The French Connection,” but with the main character confined to a wheelchair.

As a film enthusiast, I couldn’t resist the allure of an offbeat indie production, especially when I learned that it was co-written and directed by the talented New Zealander, James Ashcroft. With my history of Oscar wins for “Shine” in 1996 and nominations for “Shakespeare in Love” in 1998, “Quills” in 2000, and “The King’s Speech” in 2010, I was eager to immerse myself in this fresh cinematic journey.

As a passionate cinephile, I found myself at a point where I needed some space to ponder, “I can’t bear to tread the same path again.” This phase reminded me of the captivating allure of ‘Shakespeare in Love’. Just like on page five, I was so enamored by the script that I was pleading with my agent, “Give me a role in this movie, or I might just go mad!” From the moment the camera rolled for our first scene, I was hooked. The rest of the production left me utterly spellbound.

Rush found it delightful to have another chance to team up with his longtime pal Lithgow. They’ve worked together before, in the 2003 biographical film “The Life and Death of Peter Sellers,” and they’ve always enjoyed discussing their shared passion for acting.

John embodies the stereotype of how people picture actors, according to Rush. He’s outgoing, engaging, and has captivating tales to share. Our interaction was enjoyable.

To imagine the feelings of an elderly person who has suddenly become vulnerable, Rush drew upon emotions he had gathered throughout his long career on stage, as well as those he experienced while observing his family members growing older.

He explains that he often took on roles of characters significantly older than himself during his career. In his fifties and sixties, he portrayed individuals in their seventies and eighties. Additionally, his mother lived in a care home for four years before passing away in 2022. During this time, he witnessed her deterioration from age ninety to ninety-four. This experience carried a heavy emotional burden as he reflected on the care she provided him during his infancy and toddlerhood.

But even as he gets older, Rush has no plans to slow down.

I’ve become quite skilled with makeup, to the point where I marvel at how they make actors appear decades younger, as evidenced by ‘The Irishman.’ This technology is only getting more advanced. I appreciate the thought-provoking truth in theater’s saying that an actor can convincingly portray a character 10 years older or younger, regardless of their actual age.

Rush is willing to bring back to life the iconic character that established him, Captain Hector Barbossa, for a new generation in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series. Although there have been rumors about a reboot or fresh installment, he seems excited about the prospect of Barbossa making a comeback.

Rush expresses interest in reviving his well-known character Captain Hector Barbossa from “Pirates of the Caribbean” for a newer audience. Although there have been whispers of a reboot or new storyline, he shows enthusiasm about the possibility of Barbossa reappearing.

People often write to express they wept profusely upon seeing Barbossa sacrifice himself for his daughter,” he explains. “However, in plays like ‘Hamlet,’ fathers sometimes return as ghosts. I’ve always found the notion appealing – popping back for a few heartwarming scenes to vex Captain Jack Sparrow, or guide the newcomers. I could teach them the ropes, and there would be plenty of humor in that situation.

The ‘Jenny Pen Rule’ movie will be released in theaters on March 7, distributed by IFC Films and Shudder. Check out the crazy exclusive preview below.

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2025-03-01 02:49