Ask the Dust
2006 · Movie · R · 117 min · ★ 5.4 · 47% critics
In Depression-era Los Angeles, a struggling young writer tries to break into the literary world while scraping by day to day. A chance encounter with an ambitious immigrant waitress sparks a volatile connection, as both chase respect, security, and a better future amid prejudice and hard choices.
Based on Ask the Dust
Where to watch
Not currently available to stream in the US.
2 hours to watch.
Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.
unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.
More value for your money
Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.
Details
- Years
- 2006
- Release date
- 2006-02-02
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
- Runtime
- 117 min
- Critic score
- 47/100
- TMDB rating
- 5.4/10 (167 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you want a moody, unconventional romance about outsiders chasing dreams in a harsh city, but Not for you if you need fast pacing, instantly likable leads, or tidy storytelling like Empire of Light.
Pros: strong lead chemistry; vivid period atmosphere; emotionally affecting moments | Cons: slow, talky pacing; uneven subplots; hard-to-like characters
Themes
- beach
- mexico
- based on novel or book
- police
- alcohol
- italy
- cigarette
- letter
- kiss
- great depression
- love
- racism
- +1 more
Cast & crew
Colin Farrell
as Arturo Bandini
Salma Hayek Pinault
as Camilla Lopez
Donald Sutherland
as Hellfrick
Eileen Atkins
as Mrs. Hargraves
Idina Menzel
as Vera Rivkin
Justin Kirk
as Sammy
William Mapother
as Bill
Tamara Marie Watson
as Sally
Dionysio Basco
as Patricio
Jeremy Crutchley
as Solomon
Directed by Robert Towne