Ask the Dust 2006

     This film is based on a book by John Fante with the introduction by Charles Bukowski.  The setting of this film is in LA of the early 1930’s during the depression era.  There is racism, poverty, and disease in the Bunker Hill neighborhood.  Arturo Bandini has arrived from Colorado to write his great Los Angeles novel.  It has been six months and he is now down to his last nickel.  He orders a coup of coffee served by Camilla Lopez.  She is beautiful, self-possessed and she is Mexican.  Camilla gives him advice, encouragement and sometimes a check from H.L. Mencken.  Arturo continues to write and he continues to see Camilla.  But, they begin to fight and the relationship sputters.

     Nearly everyone in the United States during the depression was having a difficult time providing shelter and food.  Jobs were scarce and the wages were very low.  Publishing a book might not make the author very much money?  People will take food over a book in desperate times.  Two hours in length is a stretch!!  3* (This movie is OK)

117 min Drama directed by Robert Towne with Colin Farrell, Salma Hayek, Donald Sutherland, Eileen Atkins, Idina Menzel, Justin Kirk, Jeremy Crutchley, Ronald France, Dion Basco, Donna Mosely.

Note:  Imdb 5.8 out of 10, 35% critic 40% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Roger Ebert 3*, Amazon 4.3* out of 5* with 252 reviews, Metacritic 58 out of 100 with 33 critics 7.8 out of 10 with 38 reviews, Rolling Stone Peter Travers 2 ½* out of 4*.  Goodreads gives the book 4 .13 out of 5*.

Special Note:  Filmed in Cape Town, Western, Cape South Africa and Los Angeles, California.  Salma Hayek developed hypothermia while filing the ocean scenes.  Originally, Johnny Depp was interested in the project but Robert Towne couldn’t find financial backing.  Eva Mendes was set to take the role of Camilla before Salma signed on.  Colin Farrell was romantically attracted to Eileen Atkins but she turned him down.  There is a 42-year difference in their ages.  Danny Finn plays Willie the Dog and he’s not a professional actor.  Danny’s owner had to stand in for the film company’s dog-handler.  Danny would not pay attention!!