With a career spanning decades including roles in film and TV shows like Full Metal Jacket, The Dark Knight Rises and the forthcoming Oppenheimer, Matthew Modine is one of America’s most versatile actors. Soon to appear opposite Cillian Murphy in Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated drama, Modine also played Dr Martin Brenner in the TV smash Stranger Things.

The actor will host a masterclass at this year’s Galway Film Fleadh and will also attend the premiere of The Martini Shot. Filmed on location in Ireland, the drama stars Modine as a movie director who begins shooting what he believes will be his final work of art.

Esther McCarthy: Can you tell us about your role and character in The Martini Shot?

Matthew Modine: It’s difficult to say exactly what my role in The Martini Shot is...it’s the character’s vagueness that appealed to me. On the surface, he’s a film director trying to make a movie. But under that thin veneer of who and what the character is up to is a whole universe which is filled with mystery. 

What fun to be in a film that aspires to be magical and mysterious! The script, written by the director, Stephen Wallis, is unlike anything I’ve ever read.

What was the experience like of working in Ireland?

I absolutely loved working in Ireland. It was my first time in the west and every day was a new adventure.

Have you any personal memories of your time here?

The shooting schedule was 14 days. For your readers, that is impossibly fast to make a feature film. Well, nearly - because we did. When I wasn’t filming I was memorising the text. When I see the film now, I’m flabbergasted at how good the entire cast is and the sheer beauty of the landscapes within the photography. The characters are so funny and the story is so poignant. 

None of this incredible work could have been accomplished without a solid script and love and dedication from the entire crew and company.

.......

Click Here To See The Full Article