Will Colin Farrell make John Fante famous?

An actor’s movie
Props must be given to two top-tier Hollywood stars for accepting such non-glamorous, character driven roles; and without whom — let’s face it — this movie would never have been made. And while at first Farrell seems to be struggling with his character, he grows into Bandini as the movie progresses, and turns in a solid nuanced performance. His co-star Hayek is just transcendent: she imbues Camilla Lopez with life. It’s another reminder (in case you needed one) of what a great actress Hayek is when she’s given quality material (and how often has that happened?).

This isn’t blockbuster material but it’s a heart-wrenching story that’s crying to be told. And Farrell and Hayek go all out and bare themselves — literally: both get fully naked in a scene brimming with sexuality that, while tastefully done, will no doubt be attacked as another Hollywood-Blue State assault on Red State America’s values. (Oh, and by the way: it’s pretty damn hot.)

And lastly, credit has to be given to Robert Townes, who has been trying to get this film made for decades, the same way that Fante’s fiction has been crying out for attention. In all likelihood, “Ask the Dust” will play a short while before disappearing to DVD (maybe there’s even a Director’s Cut version in its future) but if you’re in need of a beautiful story and you’re still in a state of shock that a cliché piece of L.A. trash like “Crash” can win a best movie Oscar than see this movie; it’s a real L.A. story, one that is dirty and dusty with characters that yearn for redemption. Then read the book (recently given a makeover by HarperCollins). Arturo Bandini is waiting for you.

Joseph Tirella is a Senior Editor at Star.

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