Would appreciate a review once you watch it Socratease as I might invest in a copy myself.
It finally arrived from the Netherlands today.
This is a very enjoyable 63 minute documentary on the life and writing of John Fante written and directed by Dutch filmmaker Jan Louter and released in 2001.
Interspersed with readings from
Ask the Dust and some of Fante's letters to his sister, are contemporary scenes of the Bunker Hill area and interviews with screenwriter Robert Towne, Fante biographer Stephen Cooper, Fante's wife Joyce and two of his sons, Dan and Jim, as well as publisher John Martin.
There is also some beautiful B&W footage of LA in the late 30's or 40's including cable cars.
Joe Weston's readings of Ask the Dust (and as the voice of Fante) at times reminded me of Kerouac reading his own work, with a similar rhythm and cadence. I liked that very much.
There is the familiar quote by Buk about his joy at the discovery of Fante's writing, and a scathing inscription by Fante in an old copy of
Dago Red making it quite clear to somebody what he thought of Hollywood and the screenwriting process.
I think that any admirer of Fante's work will enjoy this documentary.
Unfortunately, my copy has a flaw at 55:30 when there are some frames of white and lip sync is lost thereafter. I'll be writing to the supplier tonight about obtaining a replacement disc.