Ask the Dust (2006) on Netflix
In 1930s Los Angeles, Arturo Bandini, a first-generation Italian from Colorado, chases a writing career. He meets Camilla Lopez, a Mexican café waitress hoping to marry a wealthy American.
- Netflix2.8/5
- IMDb5.7/1010,522 votes
- Rotten Tomatoes35%
Trailer
Plot summary
L.A. in the early 1930's: racism, poverty, and disease color the Bunker Hill neighborhood where Arturo Bandini, a lover of men and beasts alike, has arrived from Colorado to write the great Los Angeles novel. After six months and down to his last nickel, he orders a cup of coffee, served by Camilla Lopez, beautiful, self-possessed, and Mexican. Arturo gets advice, encouragement, and an occasional check from H.L. Mencken, so he keeps writing and he keeps seeing Camilla. But, he's mean to her for no apparent reason, so the relationship sputters. A housekeeper from back East suggests a way out of his jealously and fears. "Camilla Bandini": is it in the cards?
Cast
Did you know?!Facts and trivia about Ask the Dust (2006)
Can contain spoilers, watch the movie first.
- Colin Farrell was third in line to play Arturo Bandini: Johnny Depp was originally set for the part and dropped out, then Val Kilmer accepted it and dropped out as well.
- Salma Hayek turned Camilla down at first because she did not want to be typecast as a Mexican immigrant. She only took the role eight years later, one of the delays that held the production up.
- Depression-era Los Angeles was recreated in South Africa. Fields at Pinelands High School in Cape Town were reshaped to pass for Los Angeles, and the romantic night swim was shot on the man-made beach of the Valley of Waves water park at the Sun City Resort.
