Matthew Modine Talks Stanley Kubrick, Trump and Why He’ll be Voting for Kamala Harris

As a gamer with a deep appreciation for cinema and a keen eye for the political landscape, I find myself captivated by Matthew Modine’s words and life experiences. His friendship with Stanley Kubrick and his insights into the director’s unrealized black comedy about today’s world leaders are intriguing.

Matthew Modine, well-known for his role as Private Joker in Stanley Kubrick’s iconic Vietnam War film Full Metal Jacket, collaborated extensively with the director over several months and developed a close friendship with him. Similar to Kubrick, Modine has long held firm opinions on war and peace, views that have only grown stronger with time.

Speaking at the Lucca Film Festival where he’s receiving a lifetime achievement award, Gary Oldman suggests that if Stanley Kubrick were alive today, given the current state of the world, he would likely create a black comedy. He adds that not many people realize Kubrick had a sharp sense of irony and humor. If Kubrick were here now, he’d excel at crafting a comedic take on the absurdity of leaders like Putin and Trump, turning them into intriguing comic characters.

Actor Modine is in Lucca for the debut screening of his latest production, “The Martini Shot,” directed by Stephen Wallis. This independent film was produced within a tight 14-day schedule, with shooting taking place both in London and the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. In this movie, Modine portrays a dying director who is determined to complete his last film.

According to Modine, the movie is a contemplation on life and death. He explains that he’s been influenced by philosophers like Marcus Aurelius and Cicero, who taught us that we are born with death as our constant companion. Instead of fearing it, we should embrace it as a friend. The message is to live fully in the present moment, for we don’t know what the future holds. So let’s cherish this moment, including this conversation, and enjoy life as it unfolds.

In regards to the forthcoming presidential election, the actor didn’t hesitate to openly express his straightforward opinions regarding Trump.

Eight years ago, I expressed my belief that Trump wasn’t suited to lead the United States, and today, I feel even stronger about that conviction. Furthermore, he displays an appalling attitude towards women, which I find barbaric, uncivilized, ignorant, and rude. In addition, I wholeheartedly support Kamala Harris for president. To me, the U.S. president symbolizes a father figure, but now it’s time for a change – it’s time for a mother: Kamala.

He repeatedly argued in favor of Harris by bringing up Trump’s numerous criminal convictions. “How many times has Trump been found guilty? If a person leaves prison after committing a crime, it’s tough for them to find employment, even at a bar. They are often told, ‘We can’t hire you, your background check shows issues.’ So, how can someone with multiple criminal convictions be a serious contender for the presidency of the United States?

In the Netflix film “Zero Day,” directed by Lesli Linka Glatter, Modine stars alongside Robert De Niro, who portrays a former president, with Angela Bassett as the current president. The story unfolds when the United States is under assault by an unknown force that causes all computers and electronic devices to malfunction. The term “Zero Day” refers to a sudden halt in action, like every plane coming to a standstill at once or all computers locking up simultaneously. It’s a pause in the flow of life, a momentary stoppage of the world. This chilling event serves as the starting point for the narrative.

One of Modine’s latest films is Christopher Nolan’s Academy Award-winning best picture, Oppenheimer, a project that sparks discussions about the ramifications of nuclear energy. “We’re perpetually in danger from nuclear disasters,” he cautions. “What I find troubling, though, is the inconsistency of the U.S. in criticizing nations with nuclear weapons when it was the first to deploy them on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We can’t resolve this predicament by adopting a ‘my way is right, your way is wrong’ mentality without acknowledging the harm we cause. I advocate for peaceful resolutions to global issues. We must value diversity, even diverse viewpoints. Otherwise, on this overpopulated planet, we’re 10 billion people heading towards extinction.

In wrapping up the interview, the actor reflected back to Kubrick, stating, “Indeed, Stanley Kubrick was spot on.” He continues, “Recall the opening scene in ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ where an ape wields a bone as a weapon, which then morphs into a spaceship? Within mere seconds, Kubrick encapsulated millennia of human history, the essence of mankind – its propensity for violence. However, the message is clear: To progress, we must conquer the issue of aggression. This is the key to our liberation.

2024-09-28 01:24

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