Ask the Dust is a 2006 film based on the book Ask the Dust by John Fante. The movie was written and directed by Robert Towne. Tom Cruise served as one of the film's producers. The film was released on a limited basis on March 17, 2006.
Plot
The story is set during the Great Depression. Hayek plays a fiery Mexican beauty, Camilla. She is a woman who one day aspires to be above her current standing in society. She wishes to do this by marrying a wealthy man from the United States. Her plan is thrown into disarray when she meets Italian Arturo Bandini (Farrell).
Film Delays
The rights to the novel once belonged to Mel Brooks though they later lapsed. Towne met Fante in the 1970s. This meeting led to his interest in the project. Despite finishing the script in the early 1990s he couldn't find financial backing from a studio. During this time Farrell's role was originally set to be played by Johnny Depp but he dropped out. Later Val Kilmer accepted the role and also dropped out. Another delay was Hayek initially rejecting the role to avoid being typecast as a Mexican immigrant. She accepted the role eight years later.
Cast
Colin Farrell as Arturo Bandini
Donald Sutherland as Hellfrick
Eileen Atkins as Mrs. Hargraves
Idina Menzel as Vera Rivkin
Justin Kirk as Sammy
Dion Basco as Patricio/houseboy
Jeremy Crutchley as Solomon, the bartender
William Mapother as Bill
Tamara Craig Thomas as Sally Wikipedia
