Everyone may simply call the awards ceremony “the Oscars,” but Matthew Modine was quick to point out the full technical title.
“It’s the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences,” Modine reminded Yeas & Nays Friday night at the premiere of Barry Levinson’s documentary “PoliWood” – the latest bit of evidence showcasing just how much Washington is the new Hollywood.
And apparently he’s thought a lot about the “science” part of that name for he couldn’t stop citing examples of how performers are, in actuality, scientists.
“Albert Einstein may not have discovered the theory of relativity had he not played the violin,” Modine told us while chatting with him with after the screening at the Naval Heritage Museum. “All the mathematical possibilities that are derived from the notes and vibrations,” he continued.
“The same with [Leonardo] DiVinci. He was not just a painter. And Benjamin Franklin may not have been as great a statesman had he not also been a scientist. He invited the bifocals. And did you know he invented the Armonica?” he asked us. (For the record, no, actually we didn’t).
He then went on to tell us how Steven Spielberg is really a historian, not a director, asking how else could he have done “Saving Private Ryan” and “Schindler’s List.”
But our favorite example he cited was about President George W. Bush.
“The skills he learned cheerleading definitely helped him as president,” he joked.
