Santa Barbara International Film Festival Day One : Opening Night Film: Definitely, Maybe

“I like to be manipulated.” I heard one of my male film-going companions state this when talking about why he liked Definitely, Maybe. I don’t think he’s getting in touch with his feminine side as much as he is commenting on his film-going personality. After all, this is why we go see films oftentimes: to be manipulated. To have our tears jerked, to feel something, to follow along on the trials, tribulations, adventures and angst of the characters and then, meet up with them at the end of the road. This is why we go see films, really.

It is a tried and true opening night tradition at the Santa Barbara fest—the red carpet, the film, the stars on hand to introduce and be photographed. And then the party. At the Santa Barbara Film Festivals, the opening and closing night parties are gala affairs, sprawling, fun, festive, full of music, and people who look like they’ve stepped off the screen.

This year’s fete suffered from the downpour that can be a hallmark of the rainy season in Southern California, so the venue moved from its usual outdoor location in the Mediterranean walking mall to tented space, creatively used, around the theater. In the midst of the rain, much of State Street was out of power, yet the theater remained lit.

One notable party element missing this year as compared to last year’s nearly daily parties were the go-go dancers. This year’s party line-up, the staff said, will be a bit more pared back and subdued than last year’s daily scene with go-go dancers at each location. Fortunately, pared down does not mean any less fun. And the atmosphere of being able to mix over drinks with filmmakers, jurors, actors, film buffs (and humble writers) is one of the best aspects of the annual Santa Barbara event.  

Oh, Abigail Breslin’s in the film, along with Ryan Reynolds, Rachel Weisz, Elizabeth Banks and Isla Fisher. I loved Breslin in Little Miss Sunshine and she plays it all up again here. The films succeeds in the manipulation factor, perfect for a date on its opening night, Valentine’s Day.

This opens in the U.S. February 14. Film website: www.definitelymaybemovie.com

Felicia Tomasko