Matthew Modine Reflects on Stanley Kubrick, Politics, and His Support for Kamala Harris
Matthew Modine, a renowned actor best known for his role as Private Joker in Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket, has never shied away from sharing his thoughts on both film and politics. Recently, while receiving a lifetime achievement award at the Lucca Film Festival, Modine opened up about his relationship with Kubrick, the current political climate, and why he is endorsing Kamala Harris in the upcoming U.S. presidential election. During his conversation with The Hollywood Reporter at the festival, Modine discussed how Kubrick would have responded to the world today, his thoughts on Donald Trump, and his latest projects, including the upcoming independent film The Martini Shot.
Matthew Modine’s Friendship with Stanley Kubrick
Matthew Modine’s connection with legendary director Stanley Kubrick began during the production of Full Metal Jacket, where Modine portrayed the cynical and world-weary Private Joker. Over time, their relationship evolved into a close friendship that was deeply influenced by Kubrick’s unique views on life, war, and humanity. According to Modine, Kubrick’s sense of irony and humor would have been especially fitting for the current state of global politics.
Modine reflected, “If Stanley were alive today, he’d make a black comedy about the absurdity of world leaders like Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.” Kubrick was known for his deep understanding of human nature, often blending dark humor with poignant critiques of society. Modine believes that Kubrick would have been brilliant at creating a satirical portrayal of the grotesque behavior exhibited by some political figures, with Trump being a prime example.
Modine’s Criticism of Donald Trump
In no uncertain terms, Matthew Modine has been vocal about his opposition to Donald Trump, both during and after Trump’s presidency. At the Lucca Film Festival, Modine reiterated his stance, describing Trump’s behavior as “barbaric, uncivilized, ignorant, and rude,” particularly in terms of his treatment of women. For Modine, Trump represents a dangerous figure who does not embody the values he believes a U.S. president should uphold.
What sets Modine apart is his willingness to be blunt about Trump’s legal troubles. He questions how a man with multiple felony convictions could still be considered for the highest office in the United States. He made a compelling analogy, pointing out that if someone with a criminal record struggles to find employment in regular jobs, such as bartending, how can someone with so many charges be trusted to run the country?
Modine’s Endorsement of Kamala Harris
Beyond his criticism of Trump, Modine is also clear in his endorsement of Kamala Harris for the upcoming presidential election. He believes it’s time for a shift in leadership, particularly for a woman to take the helm of the United States. “When we think of the U.S. president, we often picture a father figure,” Modine said, adding, “Well, now it’s time for a mother: Kamala.” For Modine, Harris represents a much-needed departure from the toxic leadership he believes Trump represents.
His endorsement of Harris highlights his broader belief in equality and the necessity of diverse leadership in politics. He views her candidacy as an opportunity to bring a maternal, compassionate, and empathetic approach to governing—qualities that he feels are sorely missing in the current political landscape.
The Martini Shot: Modine’s Latest Film Project
In addition to his political views, Modine is promoting his latest film, The Martini Shot. Directed by Stephen Wallis, this independent film was shot in just 14 days across London and Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher. Modine plays the role of a terminally ill director who is determined to complete his final film before his death. It’s a reflective, introspective movie that Modine describes as “a reflection on life and death.”
The film co-stars comedic legends John Cleese and Derek Jacobi, but despite the star power, The Martini Shot is a meditation on mortality. Drawing from ancient philosophers like Marcus Aurelius and Cicero, Modine shared his thoughts on living in the present moment, reminding the audience that death is an ever-present companion that should inspire us to live fully and appreciate every second.
Modine’s Role in Netflix’s Zero Day and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer
In addition to The Martini Shot, Matthew Modine will also be appearing in Netflix’s upcoming political thriller Zero Day. Directed by Lesli Linka Glatter, the series stars Robert De Niro as a former president, with Modine playing the White House press secretary. The storyline revolves around a catastrophic event where the world’s electronic systems suddenly come to a halt. The U.S. government scrambles to identify the source of the attack, and the thriller is set to explore the terrifying consequences of a technologically frozen world.
Modine’s recent involvement in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer has also brought him into the conversation surrounding nuclear warfare and its implications for humanity. In Oppenheimer, Modine examines the devastating consequences of the atomic bomb and the ethical questions surrounding its use. Reflecting on the hypocrisy of the U.S. in criticizing other countries with nuclear weapons, Modine called for peaceful solutions to the world’s problems, noting that the mindset of “I’m right, you’re wrong” will only lead to more conflict.
Lessons from Stanley Kubrick: Violence and Human Evolution
Modine wrapped up his interview by returning to the subject of Stanley Kubrick. He referred to Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, specifically the iconic scene where a primitive ape uses a bone as a weapon, which eventually transitions into a spaceship. For Kubrick, this scene encapsulates thousands of years of human history—where violence has been central to our evolution.
Modine believes Kubrick’s message is more relevant than ever: in order for humanity to evolve, we must find a way to break free from violence. He emphasized that violence remains one of the key challenges holding humanity back from its potential. Kubrick’s work, in Modine’s view, serves as a reminder that if we do not solve the issue of violence, our future remains bleak.
