Geoffrey Rush Compares New Horror Film to Alien: Find Out Why!

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Right now, it’s an exciting time for horror movie enthusiasts, as the genre has been undergoing a breathtaking revival for quite some time. One of the upcoming chilling films hitting theaters soon is James Ashcroft’s The Rule of Jenny Pen, featuring stars like John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush. In an interview with TopMob, Geoffrey Rush even hinted at the movie’s setting by mentioning the classic film, Alien.

In my conversation with Mr. Rush regarding his role as Stefan Mortensen in “The Rule of Penny Pen,” his insights about James Cameron’s work resonated deeply. I sought his perspective on portraying a character confined to a rehab center due to a stroke, and thus limited in control over his body. Rush shared:

Initially, I possessed nothing more than bare essentials. However, over time, I acquired a chair, specifically a wheelchair due to my circumstances. I find such tasks intriguing, and the one you mentioned was no exception. Notably, this wheelchair was exceptional because it offered five distinct speeds, enabling me to communicate with the director of pace in a unique way. Was this scene meant to be slow-paced, like a French film, or fast-paced, reminiscent of The French Connection’s chase down the corridor? That aspect made the experience quite enjoyable for me.

In the production of “Jenny Pen,” Rush found himself deeply immersed in his role, which seems to have been a rewarding experience for him. Moreover, he skillfully managed to adjust his electric wheelchair according to the requirements of each individual scene.

In our discussion, both John Lithgow (who subtly outshone at the Oscars) and I conversed about the film’s dismal atmosphere. The story unfolds within a rehabilitation facility, where Lithgow’s character Dave Crealy wreaks havoc on his fellow patients. This dark and oppressive environment, according to Rush, bears similarities to the classic sci-fi masterpiece Alien. As he expressed to me:

In terms of genre, it’s the psychological aspect that truly matters within a horror movie. One must have faith that there’s an underlying sense of grandeur in these films, often found in the horror genre. Movies like Alien, for instance, exemplify this. The backdrop is vast, empty space – reminiscent of a Rothko painting throughout the film. It evokes a profound sense of gloom and despair within the viewer.

It’s clear that the atmosphere perfectly captures the essence of “The Rule of Jenny Pen“. To be honest, I found myself yearning to intervene through the screen, protecting the elderly characters from the cruel manipulations of Lithgow’s title puppet. The review by TopMob for “Rule of Jenny Pen ” highlighted the film’s grim content and oppressive mood, undoubtedly enhanced by its unique setting.

On the surface, “Alien” and “The Rule of Jenny Pen” appear to be completely dissimilar. However, Rush’s comments underscored how captivating it was to be confined within a single location throughout the runtime of the latest horror film. Moreover, the way Dave Crealy could control others at will made it feel as if no one was secure.

Initially, I didn’t notice it, but Rush’s remarks seemed to encapsulate the film’s strengths perfectly. Starting March 7th, audiences will have the opportunity to draw their own conclusions when “The Rule of Jenny Pen” hits wide theaters as part of the 2025 movie lineup.

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2025-03-04 23:11