review: Ask the Dust

 

(Four out of Five Stars)

 

 

OK... so this is a tough one. I read A LOT and love a great novel. Being a literature major in college and someone who has always liked to read outside of those classes as well, I have obviously read a copious quantity of good reads as well as several not so great books. Fante’s masterpiece, Ask The Dust stands as one of my favorite novels that I have read. I am not of the mindset that, just because a piece of Art is my favorite, I can say that it is the best because all Art is subjective. However, Fante’s protagonist, Arturo Bandini, is a creation of such fearless vulnerability and honest fervor that I truly believe that Fante is one of the great underrated, under read American writers of the 20th century. I also happen to love film. Being a lover of film and novels can sometimes be tough because you want the movie to have the same magic of the novel or vice versa. However, I kind of like when filmmakers put their own slant on a novel as well. For example, I love the film and novel Naked Lunch for entirely different reasons. That being said, I actually believe that the film Ask The Dust captured a lot of Fante’s vision. Is it as riveting and gutsy as the novel? No. But, on its own, it stands as a well directed, well acted and interesting film. Read the novel (which I recommend to EVERYONE). Furthermore, whether you have read the novel or not, and you are looking for a quality film with excellent set design, fine acting (especially Sutherland as a brilliantly casted Hellfrick), and a plot that has the explicit seasonings of a master of American literature, then give this movie a chance. Ah Bandini, lover of man and beast alike… you ARE an inspiration. (By the way, this book is part of a series by John Fante… I would recommend the entire Arturo Bandini saga.)

Is this the first book in the saga? Sounds like it's not necessary to read any of the others in the series to appreciate this one on its own. I definitley like to read the novel before seeing the film adaption.

I'm not familiar with him but am always looking for good recommendations. I'll check it out.