HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — An all-star ensemble cast comes together in Valentine’s Day, which follows the intertwining storylines of a diverse group of Los Angelenos as they navigate their way through romance and heartbreak over the course of one Valentine’s Day. Couples and singles experience the pinnacles and pitfalls of finding, keeping or ending relationships in a day in the life of love.
“Some people think Valentine’s Day is the best thing and others try to block it out,” says the film’s director, Garry Marshall. “It means different things to different people.
“The other holidays are all clearer,” continues Marshall, noting, “Christmas, we decorate a tree, you give me a present, we sing nice songs, go home, go to bed. New Year’s Eve, you drink, you kiss at 12 o’clock, sing Auld Lang Syne and cry, go home, go to bed. That’s simple. Got it. Arbor Day…not the biggest holiday, but getting bigger because we’re all ‘going green.’ But Valentine’s Day is vague. It’s a hard holiday to define because love is so hard to define and that’s why it makes for a good story. Why not do a romantic comedy about the day we’re all concentrated on romance, and that’s Valentine’s Day.”
Julia Roberts and Anne Hathaway both count Valentine’s Day as their third collaboration with Marshall, including their breakthrough roles in Pretty Woman and The Princess Diaries, respectively. They agree that there are many reasons actors relish working with the famed director.
“I’ve gotten to work on some wonderful films, but there’s nothing like a Garry Marshall movie,” says Hathaway. “He’s generous and sensitive and fun, and he’s a director you can trust. He’s a passionate filmmaker; he’s invested in every take and he works with you to craft a beautiful performance.”
Roberts observes, “All Garry wants to do is tell a great story and make people laugh, and he’s masterful at it.”
The chance to work with the director was also a major attraction for the actors teaming with him for the first time.
“Garry Marshall is a craftsman, and the opportunity to work with someone who can elevate your game and you can learn from—you don’t pass those opportunities up,” states Ashton Kutcher.
Bradley Cooper adds, “When I heard Garry would be at the helm, I jumped in with both feet. He’s the perfect choice to direct this kind of movie.”
“He is the king of romantic comedy,” Jennifer Garner attests, “so it was a no-brainer for everyone in the cast. We all wanted to be in there.”
Chart-topping recording artist Taylor Swift, who makes her film acting debut in Valentine’s Day, says, “It’s amazing to be a part of something with so many names I’ve admired, but my favorite name has to be Garry Marshall. I was so excited to get to work with him. He’s charming and funny, and he obviously knows how to make a great movie. And he took the time and effort to incorporate our mutual lucky number—13—into every single one of my scenes, which was awesome. I’ll never forget that.”
Watch: Valentine’s Day Official Movie Trailer
