Luca Ferretti On the red carpet of the David di Donatello the American actor Matthew modine expressed his great esteem for theItaly and for its cinematic heritage, taking the opportunity to announce a personal project. Among the reconstructed glimpses of ancient Rome inside CinecittàModine spoke of his excitement at walking through those corridors and sets that are part of the history of contemporary cinema, emphasizing how the visit gave him new ideas for the work he is about to begin.
The actor, known for roles in works such as Full Metal Jacket and the series Stranger Things, declared himself a fan of the Italian cinema, citing masters and directors who have left their mark on the seventh art. From his point of view, many practices and technical knowledge were born in Italy, and recent titles such as I captain they seemed particularly successful to him.
At the same time, he revealed that, in addition to attending the ceremony, he will remain in the country to begin his first experience behind the camera.
A tribute to Italian cinema and its roots
In his conversation with the press, Modine underlined how Italian filmmakers have shaped entire generations of authors and operators.
For him names like De Sica, Fellini e Matthew Garrone They are not just biographical references but starting points for understanding contemporary techniques and narratives. This recognition has become a declaration of intent: to bring their international experience into contact with local traditions, seeking a productive dialogue between diverse sensibilities and consolidated languages.
Reflections and sources of inspiration
Modine then explained that his appreciation is not rhetorical: he visits the sets, observes working methods and gathers suggestions. He defined the production sites as memory spaces where the technical and artistic past coexists with current practices. The experience of walking among full-scale sets has provided him with concrete stimuli for the project he is starting, consolidating the idea that direct confrontation with the historical sets can enrich its authorial style.
From acting to directing: the Splendid Thing project
The main news concerns the film that Modine wrote and will direct: it is titled Splendid ThingThe actor announced that he will remain in Italy. until September to follow the production phases, indicating a prolonged presence in the area to supervise pre-production and filming. He specified that this is his first job as debut director in which he intends to make use of both his experience in front of the camera and his observation of the great directors who inspired him.
Practical details and climate on set
While Modine didn't reveal narrative details, he joked about being able to "steal" some ideas or props while walking around the sets, lightly mentioning the allure of Cinecittà. The announcement, however, is clear: the project is an original one, penned by Modine himself, and will be realized with an approach that prioritizes contact with iconic locations in Italian production. This type of work often requires collaboration with local professionals, technicians, and actors, thus creating a creative laboratory combining international experience and national expertise.
Impact and reactions
The arrival of an international figure like Modine on the Italian scene has attracted attention: on the one hand, for the media impact of the announcement, and on the other, for the possibility of cultural and professional collaboration. His praise of contemporary works such as I captain and the recognition of cinema's Italian roots contribute to a positive narrative that highlights the country's attractiveness as a production hub. If the project goes ahead as announced, it could represent an opportunity for technical and interpretative exchanges between Italian and international professionals.
In closing, Modine recalled his personal ties with long-time colleagues, referring to his friendship with Mel Gibson and the film that united them in the past, known in Italian as Winter Escape (original Mrs. Soffel). That memory, combined with a desire to experiment as a director, seems to be paving the way for his next professional chapter: an Italian experience that combines nostalgia, inspiration from places, and the desire to tell stories with a fresh perspective.