Matthew Modine took movie audiences by storm in the 1980s with searing performances in such films as "Streamers," "Birdy" and "Full Metal Jacket." These days, in addition to gently mocking his image on the Geffen Playhouse stage, where "Matthew Modine Saves the Alpacas" finishes its run Sunday night, he’s promoting "Opa," a Tracy-and-Hepburn-style romantic comedy filmed in Greece and opening this weekend.
He spoke with Eric Estrin about making love to Rosanna Arquette in his first film role, how John Sayles directed the action, and what to do when the joint goes out.
My dad was a drive-in theater manager while we were living in Utah.