Ashton Kutcher Interview, Valentines Day

Who better for the role of a romantic florist playing cupid who unexpectedly finds love on Valentine’s Day than Ashton Kutcher? Kutcher, who has become one of the most in-demand leading men on the big screen, knows a thing or two about love and marriage and has often called himself “the happiest married guy on the planet.”

MoviesOnline caught up with Kutcher at the Los Angeles press day for his new film, “Valentine’s Day,” directed by Garry Marshall. The film stars an ensemble cast that also includes Jessica Alba, Kathy Bates, Jessica Biel, Bradley Cooper, Eric Dane, Patrick Dempsey, Hector Elizondo, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Garner, Topher Grace, Anne Hathaway, Queen Latifah, Taylor Lautner, George Lopez, Shirley MacLaine, Emma Roberts, Julia Roberts, and Taylor Swift.

“Valentine’s Day” 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.

Ashton Kutcher first gained recognition as the dim-witted but sexy Michael Kelso on the hit comedy series “That 70’s Show,” which aired for eight seasons. He has since starred in several box office hits, including “What Happens in Vegas,” with Cameron Diaz; “The Guardian,” with Kevin Costner; “A Lot Like Love”; and the cult hit “Dude, Where’s My Car?” Kutcher also stars opposite Katherine Heigl in the upcoming action comedy “Killers.”

Ashton talked to us about his ideas for a healthy Valentine’s, how in real life he’s a romantic at heart, and how Xanax trumps chocolate as a comfort food. Here’s what he had to say:

Q: This film is a love letter to Los Angeles. What do you love about LA?

Kutcher: I love the weather. A friend of mine once told me that Los Angeles is a city filled with the second best looking person from every town across the America. The best looking person stays home because they have it good there.

 Q: Do you have any ideas for a healthy Valentine’s?

Kutcher: I think watching this movie is a healthy Valentine. We had a green set so there was a lot of dedication toward using solar panels and clean energy and recycling. Due to the fact that the movie was shot in L.A. actually made that an easier thing to make happen. In some ways it worked out and in some ways it didn’t, but I think that every opportunity we have in our industry to make what we’re doing something more environmentally conscious is a good thing. This movie was mostly a green movie, so coming and supporting a movie that was made that way I think can contribute to that.

Q: Are you romantic in real life like your character?

Kutcher: Well, I had the good fortune of playing a florist in this movie and one of my best friends is a florist so I got to work with him. What I really learned about that was these guys are sort of like the real cupids, passing these messages off from one person to the next person. The way that arrangement shows up reflects their relationship. It’s almost like if you can find something like that, that can really translate what it is that you’re trying to say, it’s a big deal. So that was my experience on this movie. As far as being a romantic, I don't know. I love life and I love people and I love sharing and so yes, I am, I would say.

Q: Your character turns to chocolate. What do you turn to for comfort at disappointing times?

Kutcher: Xanax.

Q: It seems like love and the pursuit of it is what everyone wants. It’s like a drug. People want to be happy and that’s really the only thing that makes us happy. Do you think that’s the case?

Kutcher: When it comes to love everyone wants to receive it, but at the end of the day you don’t get to receive it until you start to give it. I think it goes for everything—what you give is what you receive. If you want the drug, you have to give the drug.

Q: Is there anything special you’re doing to promote this film?

Kutcher: Okay, for the movie we’re doing a thing online. People are posting their best Valentine’s Day gifts and their worst Valentine’s Day gifts. They’re going to tag it V-Day Gifts. They’re going to compile them into the 100 best Valentine’s Day gifts and the 100 worst Valentine’s Day gifts. You’re going to go to the best list and you’re going to pick something off of that.

Q: I’m sure Hollywood offers you lots of films in this genre. What is it that makes you connect with a romantic comedy?

Kutcher: I think the reward for doing comedy is doing the comedy itself. You get to go to work everyday and laugh and make other people laugh and to me there’s no greater reward than that.

“Valentine’s Day” opens in theaters on February 12^th.