Ask the Dust Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A struggling writer and a Mexican waitress yell at each other a lot in 1930s Los Angeles until one of them dramatically coughs to death, which is somehow supposed to be romantic.

🍿 Ask the Dust: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival in Los Angeles

Arturo Bandini, an aspiring writer from Colorado, arrives in 1930s Los Angeles with dreams of literary success. He is determined to write the ‘Great American Novel’ about Los Angeles, but quickly finds himself struggling with poverty and writer’s block. He resides in a cheap Bunker Hill hotel, six weeks behind on rent, and seeks inspiration for his writing.

Meeting Camilla

Arturo encounters Camilla Lopez, a Mexican waitress with aspirations of marrying a wealthy American to escape her circumstances. Their initial interactions are marked by cultural clashes and mutual antagonism. Camilla dreams of rising above her station, while Arturo grapples with his identity as a first-generation Italian-American.

A Tumultuous Relationship

The relationship between Arturo and Camilla is fraught with tension, fueled by their insecurities and prejudices. Arturo alternates between attraction and disdain for Camilla, while Camilla is torn between her desire for security and her growing feelings for Arturo. They engage in a complex dance of attraction and repulsion, reflecting the racial and social tensions of the era.

Arturo’s Literary Struggles and Vera’s Influence

Amidst his relationship with Camilla, Arturo’s writing career experiences ups and downs. He receives encouragement from H.L. Mencken and publishes a short story, leading to a brief period of financial comfort. He also has a brief affair with Vera Rivkin, a disabled housekeeper who offers him emotional support and insights into Camilla’s behavior. After Vera’s unexpected death, Arturo finds himself reflecting more on his work and the world around him.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Arturo Bandini (Colin Farrell): A struggling Italian-American writer in 1930s Los Angeles, determined to make a name for himself while grappling with identity and love.
• Camilla Lopez (Salma Hayek): A fiery Mexican waitress in 1930s Los Angeles, seeking a better life and love amidst prejudice and hardship.
• Hellfrick (Donald Sutherland): Arturo’s alcoholic neighbor in the hotel, representing the harsh realities of life in Depression-era Los Angeles.
• Mrs. Hargraves (Eileen Atkins): The stern landlady of the hotel where Arturo resides, symbolizing the economic pressures of the time.
• Vera Rivkin (Idina Menzel): A Jewish housekeeper who becomes Arturo’s confidante and lover, representing the search for acceptance and understanding.
• Sammy (Justin Kirk): Camilla’s bartender friend and aspiring writer, who offers Arturo misguided advice and represents a different perspective on success.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Arturo Bandini: “When I was a kid, back in Colorado, it was Smith, Parker and Jones who hurt me with their hideous names. Who called me wop and dago and greaser, and their children hurt me. Just as I hurt you.” – Arturo reflects on the prejudice he faced as an Italian-American, drawing a parallel to the discrimination Camilla experiences as a Mexican immigrant.
• Camilla: “You are not American, not nice and not rich. Not much improvement either.” – Camilla confronts Arturo with his shortcomings during a heated argument, highlighting the unfulfilled promises of his character.
• Arturo Bandini: “They hurt me so much, I could never become one of them. Drove me to books, drove me within myself. Drove me to run away from that town in Colorado, into your home and into your life.” – Arturo explains how his past experiences with prejudice shaped his identity and his connection with Camilla.
• Hellfrick: “Keep going or otherwise you’ll die in Los Angeles like the rest of us” – Hellfrick offers a grim perspective on Los Angeles, foreshadowing the struggles and disillusionment that Arturo will face.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20 million
• Domestic Gross: $743,847
• Worldwide Gross: $2,460,057

💥 Ask the Dust Reviews

Personal Review

I found the movie to be an interesting portrayal of the era, and the actors did an excellent job portraying their roles. While the movie is a little slow paced, the dialog keeps the movie from ever being boring. The scenery is so well done and it really pulls you into the 1930’s.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of period dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about writers and the creative process”
  • “Those who enjoy films exploring complex relationships and social issues”
  • “Admirers of Colin Farrell and Salma Hayek”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Some violence”
  • “Depictions of racism”
  • “Illness and death”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “The film has excellent elements that almost come together as a whole. It surrounds a fraught love affair with exquisite looking period recreation that almost sucks the life out of it. What saves the film is the frank dialog and odd sparks between Colin Farrell and Salma Hayek. Their repartee about their biases is raw and fresh.
• IMDb: “I thought it was so gripping and heartbreaking. Idina Menzel, Colin Farrell and mainly Salma Hayek give so strong and convincing performances that the minor flaws in the film can be overlooked. The cinematography is indeed beautiful and also are the art direction and costumes. The beach scene is so intense and sexy that I’m sure it will become in of those scenes people talk for years.

Audience Reactions

Hayek’s and Farrell’s performances are captivating, especially in their raw and honest interactions.: Viewers appreciate the movie for its depiction of early 20th-century Los Angeles and its exploration of racism and prejudice.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning but flawed adaptation, with strong performances but uneven pacing and a story that doesn’t fully resonate with all viewers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Robert Towne, the director, had been trying to make this film for over 20 years, showcasing his deep connection to the source material and Los Angeles.”
• “The film was shot in Cape Town, South Africa, due to the difficulty of finding suitable period locations in present-day Los Angeles. A replica of 1930s downtown L.A. was constructed on a sound stage.”
• “Salma Hayek suffered from hypothermia during the filming of the ocean scenes, which required multiple takes in cold water.”

🖥️ How to Watch Ask the Dust?

As of October 2024, “Ask the Dust” is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Ask the Dust, you might like these similar films:

• Chinatown (1974): Both films are neo-noir dramas set in Los Angeles and written by Robert Towne, exploring themes of corruption and lost dreams.
• The Day of the Locust (1975): Another film set in 1930s Hollywood, portraying the dark side of the American Dream and the desperation of those who seek fame and fortune.
• La La Land (2016): Shares a focus on dreamers in Los Angeles striving for success in creative fields, with a bittersweet exploration of love and ambition.
• The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946): A classic noir featuring a passionate and destructive love affair between two people caught in desperate circumstances during the 1930s.

🛒 Ask the Dust Related Products

• Ask the Dust (Movie Tie-in Edition): The classic novel by John Fante, in a special edition featuring the movie poster art, perfect for those who enjoyed the film and want to delve deeper into the story.
• Los Angeles in the 1930s: A Photographic Journey: A collection of photographs depicting Los Angeles during the Great Depression, providing historical context and visual insights into the world of ‘Ask the Dust.’
• Vintage Style Newsboy Cap: A classic newsboy cap, inspired by the style worn by Arturo Bandini in the movie, allowing fans to embody the character’s look and feel.
• 1930s Radio Hour – Digital Music Collection: A curated digital collection of jazz and swing music from the 1930s, recreating the sounds and atmosphere of the movie’s soundtrack.

🎧 Soundtrack

Ask the Dust features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Blue Drag” – performed by Django Reinhardt
• “Gloomy Sunday” – performed by Artie Shaw

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

John Fante’s Ask the Dust is Awesome

Ever wondered what the book ‘Ask the Dust’ is really about? This review dives deep, giving you a solid understanding of the story before (or after!) you watch the movie. It’s a great way to appreciate the film even more!

the only book i’ve rated 5-stars in 2023 (so far)

Want to know why a popular book reviewer gave ‘Ask the Dust’ a perfect score? This quick clip highlights what makes the book so special, and it might just convince you to pick it up yourself. It’s definitely worth the 13 seconds!

✨ Rate