You may remember I previously spotlighted John Fante in another newsletter, including a review of his novel “Wait Until Spring, Bandini. I just finished reading his second book, “Ask the Dust,” and followed it up by watching the 2006 film adaptation starring Colin Farrell as Arturo Bandini and Salma Hayek as Camilla.
It’s always intriguing to see how a film reshapes its source material.
But first, what’s “Ask the Dust” about?
Set in 1930s Los Angeles, the novel follows Arturo Bandini, the eldest son from “Wait Until Spring, Bandini.” After getting a story published in a magazine, Arturo believes he's destined for literary greatness. He moves to L.A. and rents a dingy room in a run-down hotel built on a hill. The building is so oddly situated that Arturo finds it easier to enter his room through the window than the door.
Arturo encounters Camilla, a waitress at a nearby dive. Their relationship begins on a toxic note—Arturo berates her over curdled cream in his coffee, mocks her shoes, and disparages her for being Mexican. This despite having experienced prejudice himself for being Italian. Yet, despite the insults, both the book and film make it clear that Arturo is drawn to her.
For much of the movie, the filmmakers remain faithful to the book, lifting dialogue and scenes straight from the text. Of course, some moments are trimmed for brevity, but the film captures the essence of Fante’s narrative. Donald Sutherland plays an excellent role as Arturo’s war-damaged neighbor, a man never quite the same after being gassed in World War I. Idina Menzel, in an early screen appearance, portrays another love interest—long before her breakout role in “Frozen” made her famous for singing “Let It Go.”
The film diverges most notably in its portrayal of Arturo and Camilla’s relationship at the beach house. In the novel, Camilla leaves quickly to reunite with Sammy, another man she’s involved with. The movie, however, extends their time together, adding depth to their romantic connection.
The biggest difference lies in how the two versions handle Camilla’s fate. While the movie leans into a tragic, “La Bohème”-style ending, with Camilla dying of consumption, the book leaves her wandering aimlessly into the desert, her fate ambiguous.
I think I like the movie ending better. Score one for Hollywood.
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